The Value of Methylprednisolone in the Treatment of an Experimental Sensorineural Hearing Loss Following Drill-induced Ossicular Chain Injury: A Randomized, Blinded Study in Guinea-Pigs

Abstract

In a previously established animal model a standardized drill-induced injury to the body of the incus was applied, and the effects on hearing were characterized by electrocochleography. In a placebo-controlled, randomized, blinded study methylprednisolone showed no protective effect in reducing or improving the auditory threshold shifts, which occurred within seconds after drilling and remained stable throughout the 5-week observation period. Therefore the otologic surgeon must pay close attention to avoiding any contact of a rotating burr with an ossicle in an intact ossicular chain.