Effect of transtympanic ventilation tube insertion for patients with intractable Meniere’s disease

Background: This study aimed to clarify the effects of transtympanic tube insertion on patients with Meniere’s disease refractory to conservative treatment. Methods: Between January 2010 and December 2019, 40 patients with refractory Meniere’s disease were assigned to group I, a group of 19 patients who underwent transtympanic tube insertion (13 males, 6 females; age range 15-79 years) and group II, a control group of 21 patients who did not undergo intratympanic tube insertion (10 males, 11 females; age range 26-81 years). Definitive vertigo spells, hearing level, tinnitus and aural fullness were assessed for 2 years after treatment. The effectiveness of treatment for vertigo attacks and hearing loss was assessed according to the 1995 American academy of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery criteria. The degree of disability due to vertiginous attacks was also assessed and compared between groups using the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) before and 2 years after treatment. Results: The frequency of vertigo attacks and the DHI score were significantly better in group I than in group II 2 years after treatment. Group I also showed significantly improved tinnitus and feelings of fullness. However, the hearing level remained unaffected in both groups. Conclusions: This less invasive treatment might offer short term efficacy in reducing persistent vertigo, tinnitus and a feeling of aural fullness for some patients with Meniere’s disease.