Intratympanic injection of dexamethasone after failure of intravenous prednisolone in simultaneous bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to analyze outcomes of intratympanic injection of dexamethasone after failure of intravenous prednisolone in simultaneous bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Materials and methods The cases of simultaneous bilateral SSNHL treated in our hospital from March 2007 to March 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. During the earlier period (March 2007 to February 2012), the cases were treated by intravenous prednisolone only, and classified into group A. During the late period (February 2012 to March 2018), intratympanic injection of dexamethasone after failure of intravenous prednisolone therapy was employed to treat simultaneous bilateral SSNHL, and these patients were enrolled in group B. Effective rates of the two treatment modalities in groups A and B were compared. Results In group A, 3 of 40 ears obtained complete recovery, and 4 ears achieved partial recovery after intravenous prednisolone treatment, with the effective rate of only 17.5% (7/40 ears). In contrast, 6 of 44 ears in group B achieved complete recovery, and 10 ears got partial recovery, with the effective rate of 36.4% (16/44 ears). There was significant difference in the effective rate between the two groups. Conclusion Intratympanic injection of dexamethasone after failure of intravenous prednisolone therapy was a better choice for simultaneous bilateral SSNHL compared to traditional intravenous prednisolone therapy.