Intratympanic injection of dexamethasone for controlling subjective idiopathic tinnitus

Background Tinnitus is a common and distressing symptom that is characterized by the perceived sensation of sound without a corresponding external stimulus. Intratympanic (IT) dexamethasone injection is used for the treatment of tinnitus by introducing the substance through the tympanic membrane, resulting in reduced systemic toxicity and a higher perilymph steroid level. Aim of the study The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of IT dexamethasone injection for controlling idiopathic tinnitus of cochlear origin. Materials and methods A total of 30 patients with subjective idiopathic tinnitus for at least 6 months were subjected to IT injection of dexamethasone, once per week for 4 weeks. Improvement in tinnitus was assessed using pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, tinnitus matching test, and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory by comparing the results before and after therapy. Results Pure-tone audiometry did not show significant improvement. However, there was a significant improvement in speech audiometry, tinnitus loudness, and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory after the end of the four injections and in the subsequent evaluations 1 and 3 months later. Conclusion IT dexamethasone injection could be a simple and effective method for controlling subjective idiopathic tinnitus. The tinnitus may not disappear, but will be alleviated, enabling the patient to cope more easily with the disease, and thus reducing their handicap.