Primary versus salvage intratympanic steroid treatment for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Objective The objective of this research is to compare primary and salvage intratympanic (IT) steroid treatments in terms hearing outcomes patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural loss (ISSNHL). Methods were randomized into two (primary salvage) groups. Both groups received systemic treatment for 2 weeks. group also IT dexamethasone injection three times during the period, whereas only if no or slight recovery was noted at 2-week follow-up. If needed, administered following Hearing analyzed according modified American Academy Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery criteria. Results degrees improvement 3-month follow-up similar Compared baseline, pure-tone average values speech discrimination scores improved by 38.45 ± 21.95 dB HL 34.32% 30.55%, respectively, 36.80 22.33 31.87% 27.88%, (p = .762 .659, respectively). In addition, complete partial rates (67.7% vs. 73.3%, respectively; p .780). group, 18 required because they recovered after treatment. Conclusion Primary ISSNHL led outcomes. summary, recommended prevent unnecessary injection. Level evidence 2.