Intratympanic Cortisone Injection: An Evaluation of the Current Data Situation

Abstract

Schmidt Sandra, Thomsen Milena and Lorenz Kai Johannes

Introduction: Intratympanic Cortisone Injections (ITI) have been established for sudden deafness for years. ITI can be used as primary therapy and, above all, as rescue therapy if systemic administration has not brought any improvement or if there are contraindications to systemic administration.

Methods: Many different forms of application, indication, duration and treatment have been used. Different local anesthetics, cortisone preparations, body and head positions are practiced.

Results: 103 patients are analyzed. In 55 cases, the injection after oral therapy. In 48 cases, given immediately due to extreme hearing loss or comorbidities the injections are well tolerated with rare unpleasant side effects.

Discussion: High-dose treatment with cortisone has been used for decades. The HODOKORT study brought significant dose reductions. The KORTEBO study could not be carried out, but there is need for it. There is a lack of evidence of an optimal indication, implementation and objective proof, which is urgently needed.

Conclusion: The results of the study listed here in relation to existing studies show that ITI is beneficial as a supportive therapy after insufficient hearing improvement with systemic cortisone administration.

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