Effect of Intratympanically Administered Gentamicin on Hearing and Tinnitus in Meniere's Disease

Abstract

We have examined the effect of intratympanic gentamicin on hearing and tinnitus in 69 patients with intractable Meniere's disease. Tinnitus was scored from 1 to 4 depending on its severity. The mean pure tone audiometry level before treatment was 57.5 dB and 1 year after treatment 63.5 dB. Five subjects became deaf in the treated ear, and in 13 subjects hearing loss was >10dB and in 21 subjects 0 10 dB. In 25 subjects significant improvement (>10dB) was gained, and in 5 patients hearing remained unchanged. The older subjects developed greater post-treatment hearing loss than the younger patients. Tinnitus was significantly reduced after treatment with gentamicin. A total of 66 patients had tinnitus before treatment and tinnitus relief was rated as good. Four percent of the subjects had no tinnitus, 30% had slight tinnitus, 27% moderate tinnitus. 18% severe. and 8% handicapping tinnitus.

Key Words:

• Meniere
• gentamicin
• tinnitus