Efficacy of intratympanic methylprednisolone versus standard therapy in adult sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

BACKGROUND

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a medical emergency that can significantly impact quality of life. The study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of intratympanic methylprednisolone therapy (IMT) with standard treatment (ST) in adult patients suffering from unilateral SSNHL.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 300 adult patients diagnosed with unilateral SSNHL, treated at our hospital from June 2022 to November 2024. Patients were divided into two groups based on their treatment protocols: IMT group (142 patients) and ST group (158 patients). All patients completed 1 year of follow-up. Outcomes were assessed via pure tone average (PTA), word recognition score (WRS), tinnitus/dizziness resolution, and quality of life (SF-36).

RESULTS

The IMT group showed significantly greater improvement in PTA and WRS at both follow-up points compared to the ST group (p < 0.05). Tinnitus reduction was also significantly better in the IMT group at 10 days and 8 weeks (p < 0.01). Overall treatment efficacy (cured + markedly effective + effective) was significantly higher with IMT (p = 0.031), especially in severe cases (p = 0.034). ST caused more systemic side effects like gastrointestinal issues and blood sugar problems (p < 0.05). IMT caused more local ear discomfort (p < 0.001). Quality of life (SF-36) scores for physical functioning, role-physical, and social functioning were significantly better in the IMT group (p < 0.05). Logistic regression confirmed IMT significantly reduced the risk of ineffective treatment.

CONCLUSION

IMT demonstrated superior efficacy and an acceptable safety profile compared to ST for adult patients with unilateral SSNHL, suggesting it as a preferable therapeutic option.