Can Intratympanic Dexamethasone Added to Systemic Steroids Improve Hearing Outcome in Patients With Sudden Deafness?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of intratympanic dexamethasone (ITD) injections added to systemic steroids in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (HL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 patients diagnosed with sudden HL were treated with ITD injections (0.3 mL on days 1, 3, and 5) plus 48 mg methylprednisolone (ITD group) or methylprednisolone alone (control group). RESULTS: The total recovery rate after the treatment was 73.3% in the ITD group and 70.0% in the control group. Although improvements in pure-tone average were the same in the two groups, the ITD group showed significantly better hearing improvement at 250 Hz than the control group. CONCLUSION: The addition of ITD to systemic steroids did not result in significant improvements in the treatment of idiopathic sudden HL.     

Basilar artery tortuosity as a predictive factor for the efficacy of heparin adjuvant therapy in unilateral idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

IntroductionCochlear ischemia is hypothesized as one of the major etiologies of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Therefore, anticoagulant therapies are designed to be beneficial in certain patients with this condition.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine which patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss would benefit from heparin treatment as adjuvant therapy.MethodsIn total, 134 patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging for unilateral idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss at a tertiary referral hospital between January 2014 and December 2018 were included in this retrospective study. All patients received Intratympanic steroid injections or heparin therapy plus oral corticosteroids. Radiological parameters of the vertebrobasilar system and clinical data from pre- and post-treatment assessments were analyzed.ResultsMost patients (71.6%) had a tortuous basilar artery The 65 patients with severe-to-profound idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss showed a significant relationship between idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss laterality and basilar artery displacement to the opposite side (p = 0.036), while the 69 patients with mild-to-moderate idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss did not (p = 0.950). Additionally, the degree of basilar artery tortuosity was significantly associated with the degree of hearing impairment in the severe-to-profound idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss group (p = 0.015). When idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss occurred on the opposite side to basilar artery displacement, the improvement of hearing was significantly greater in patients treated with heparin than in those treated with intratympanic steroids (p = 0.041).ConclusionIn a subset of patients with severe-to-profound idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss, basilar artery tortuosity had a significant directional relationship with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss laterality. In these selected patients, a significant effect of heparin therapy on improving hearing was observed.     

鼓室内注射治疗难治性突发性耳聋52例

目的 探讨鼓室内注射激素作为难治性突发性耳聋的补救治疗措施的临床疗效。方法 重度及极重度突发性耳聋患者96例,接受常规治疗加全身应用激素2周效果不佳,其中52例接受鼓室注射激素,另外44例拒绝鼓室内注射而继续口服药物治疗。纯音测听法(PTA)检测患者补救治疗前后听力,比较气导听阈(0.5、1.0、2.0、4.0 kHz四个频率气导之平均值),分析两组患者补救治疗前后听力结果。结果 鼓室注射组听力提高10 dB以上的患者16例,有效率为30.8%;而对照组仅有3例,有效率为6.8%。两组听力改善值之间的差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论 鼓室内激素注射对突发性耳聋常规治疗无效的患者有良好的疗效,可以作为一种补救治疗措施。     

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss: Effectiveness of salvage treatment with low-dose intratympanic dexamethasone

Objectives:To evaluate hearing outcome of salvage treatment with intratympanic steroids(ITS)in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss(ISSNHL)refractory to initial systemic steroid(SS)therapy.Material and methods:A retrospective medical chart review was conducted on 54 consecutive patients with ISSNHL refractory to SS.Salvage treatment with a low dose intratympanic dexamethasone(4 mg/ml)was offered after one week of primary treatment.Patients were divided into two groups:25 patients accepted ITS(treatment group)and 29 patients did not undergo additional treatment(control group).A pure tone average(PTA)gain of at least 10 dB was considered hearing improvement.Results:Hearing improvement rate was higher in ITS group compared to control group(40%vs.13.8%,p=0.035).A mean PTA improvement of 8.6±9.8 dB was observed in the ITS group and,whereas the control group had an average hearing gain of 0.7±2 dB(p<0.001).Audiometric analysis revealed a significant hearing gain in ITS group at all tested frequencies compared to control group(p<0.05).Analysis of the selected variables,identified intratympanic steroid treatment as the only independent prognostic factor for hearing improvement(OR=4.2,95%CI:1.1e15.7;p=0.04).Conclusion:Intratympanic low dose dexamethasone is effective in patients with incomplete hearing recovery after primary systemic steroid treatment.     

全身应用联合鼓室注射糖皮质激素治疗重度和极重度突发性聋

目的比较全身应用联合鼓室注射糖皮质激素与单独全身应用糖皮质激素治疗重度和极重度突发性聋的疗效。方法回顾性比较47例(47耳)重度和极重度突聋患者的临床资料和治疗效果,将患者分为口服糖皮质激素组(口服组,19例,晨起顿服强的松片1mg.kg-1.d-1,5天后每2天递减10mg)、口服加鼓室内注射糖皮质激素组[口服加鼓室给药组,9例,在口服强的松片(用法同口服组)的同时鼓室内注入地塞米松5mg,隔2天一次,平均4次]、静脉滴注糖皮质激素组(静滴组,12例,静脉滴注地塞米松10mg,每日一次,每隔5日减半量)和静脉滴注加鼓室内注射糖皮质激素组(静滴加鼓室给药组,7例,方法、剂量同静滴组及上述鼓室给药法)。疗程结束后,比较各组的疗效。结果口服组和口服加鼓室给药组的总有效率分别为52.63%和66.67%,显效率分别为36.84%和22.22%,两组间的总有效率和显效率差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。静滴组和静滴加鼓室给药组的总有效率分别为83.33%和71.43%,显效率分别为66.67%和71.43%,两组间的总有效率和显效率差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论全身应用(口服或静滴)联合鼓室内注射糖皮质激素治疗重度和极重度突聋并不能得到较全身单独用药更好的疗效。     

Intratympanic corticosteroids for sudden idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether instillation of intratympanic steroids is effective in the treatment of sudden idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent intratympanic steroid treatment (methylprednisolone and/or dexamethasone) between 1996 and 2002 at a tertiary care university otology clinic. Thirty-three patients were identified, of which 26 met inclusion criteria for having an idiopathic hearing loss. Pretreatment and posttreatment pure-tone audiograms and speech discrimination scores were compared. RESULTS: Overall, there was a 27.2 +/- 5.7 dB improvement in the pure-tone thresholds and a 25.4 +/- 6.2% improvement in speech discrimination scores. Those treated within 10 days of onset had a statistically significant better outcome than those treated after 10 days. No adverse reactions or complications were reported. CONCLUSION: Instillation of intratympanic steroids represents a safe and potentially effective treatment of sudden idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss.     

Modified intratympanic treatment for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Steroids are the only proven drugs in the treatment for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. In the recent studies, it has been suggested that, steroids delivered through the intratympanic route obtained higher perilymph levels, resulting in better hearing outcomes. The purpose of this study is to compare the hearing outcomes of the two routes of steroid treatment: intratympanic route and systemic route. In this prospective study, 60 consecutive patients with idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss treated between January 2005 and September 2008 were enrolled: 29 were in the intratympanic steroid group (ITSG) and 31 were in the systemic steroid group (SSG). In the ITSG, 5 intratympanic injections of dexamethasone were performed with the dose of 4 mg/ml, consecutively. Oral methylprednisolone was given at the dose of 1 mg/kg, tapered every 2 days and stopped at 10 days, in the SSG. The pure tone averages (PTA), speech discrimination scores (SDS) and the percentage of the patients who made an improvement more than 10 dB were analyzed on the tenth day and 2 months after the treatment statistically. The improvement in PTA on tenth day and second month after treatment was 31.38 and 37.55 dB, in the ITSG and 19.35 and 20.68 dB in the SSG, respectively. The improvement in SDS in the same time period was 35.24 and 37.52% in the ITSG and 20.13 and 19.61% in the SSG, respectively. Also, 25 of the 29 patients (86.2%) in the ITSG and 16 of the 31 patients (51.6%) in the SSG made an improvement more than 10 dB on PTA in the second month control. Intratympanic steroids gave better hearing results than systemic steroids with no systemic side effects. Studies with more sample sizes will identify the best steroid for injection, application time, frequency and dose.     

Intratympanic steroids for combined treatment of idiopathic sudden hearing loss: when is it too late?

Background: Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) requires early treatment.

Objective: To describe our experience on intratympanic steroid treatment (ITS) of ISSNHL analyzing the delay to start therapy as prognostic factor.

Material and methods: We perform a retrospective study on ISSNHL treated with systemic steroids without full recovery on PTA (pure tone average) according to Siegel criteria. They were divided into two different groups: one group that additionally received ITS as combined therapy (treatment group), and another without it (control group). We analyzed the hearing recovery at 6 months and 2 years, and the influence of the delay to start ITS in the recovery.

Results: After ITS was added, further complete recovery was achieved in 10 patients of the treatment group. After 6 months, PTA improvement in the treatment group was 10.84?dB, compared to 1.13?dB in the control group (p<.0001). Nevertheless, patients starting such combination of oral steroids and ITS within 8 days of diagnosis had an additional gain of 15?dB in the first 6 months, that increased to 19.17?dB after 24 months (p<.022).

Conclusions: When ITS was added within the first 8 days, a significantly better and more stable response was obtained.     

不同时机鼓室内注射糖皮质激素治疗重度以上突发性聋的疗效分析

目的 观察全身联合不同时机鼓室内注射糖皮质激素治疗重度以上突发性聋的疗效,探讨鼓室内注射时机,分析影响重度以上突发性聋预后的因素。方法 回顾性分析108例重度以上突发性聋患者的临床资料及治疗效果,其中全身联合初始鼓室组64例,全身联合延后鼓室组44例;对两组患者出院时与随访时疗效分别进行比较,并分析治疗有效组和无效组临床特征。结果 出院时和随访时两种治疗方案平均听阈、平均听阈改善值、总有效率比较差异均无统计学意义（P均>0.05）,两种治疗方案痊愈率比较差异具有统计学意义（P<0.05）。两种治疗方案治疗前与出院时、治疗前与随访时分别比较差异均具有统计学意义（P均<0.001）。108例患者中,有效83例（76.9%）,伴眩晕者治疗有效率低（P<0.05）,治疗有效率与患者初始听阈损失程度（P<0.05）及听力曲线类型（P<0.05）相关,与年龄、性别、侧别、是否伴发耳鸣均无明显相关性（P均>0.05）。结论 对于重度以上突发性聋,听力损失程度、曲线类型、是否伴发眩晕与预后相关,治疗上建议尽早全身联合局部应用糖皮质激素。     

The effect of initial treatment on hearing prognosis in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a nationwide survey in Japan

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the hearing prognosis of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) treated with different initial therapies.

Methods: Subjects consisted of patients diagnosed with idiopathic SSNHL within 7 days from onset and showing severe hearing loss (≥60?dB), who were registered in a Japanese multicenter database between April 2014 and March 2016. Subjects were divided into four groups according to initial therapy: (1) steroids, (2) steroids?+?Prostaglandins (PGs), (3) intratympanic steroids (ITS), and (4) no steroids. Hearing outcomes were compared among the groups.

Results: In total, 1305 patients were enrolled. The final hearing level and hearing gain of patients treated with steroids?+?PGs were significantly higher than those of patients treated with steroids alone or no steroids. The ratio of good prognosis (complete recovery or marked improvement) in patients treated with steroids?+?PGs was higher than that in patients treated with steroids alone or no steroids. There was no difference in the prognosis of patients treated with steroids alone or no steroids.

Conclusion: A large number of patients with idiopathic SSNHL were registered in a multicenter database. PG use in combination with steroid administration was associated with a good hearing prognosis in patients with severe hearing loss.     

Steroid-based treatments for patients with total sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Conclusions: In patients with total sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), oral prednisone (OP) alone or intratympanic dexamethasone (ITD) alone have comparable results. The addition of salvage ITD following OP does not seem to add over either single modality treatment. Objectives: To study the effect of steroid-based treatments in patients with total SSNHL. Methods: The medical charts of 59 patients with total loss of hearing, defined as pure tone thresholds in the profound range (> 90 dB) with an unobtainable speech reception threshold (SRT) that were treated with OP (n = 20), ITD (n = 13), or OP followed by salvage ITD (n = 26) were analyzed. Response to treatment was evaluated by means of pure tone thresholds, SRT, and speech discrimination score (SDS), immediately after treatment and on a follow-up visit. Results: Forty-nine patients (83%) responded to treatment, with mean significant improvements of 36, 34, 31, and 25 dB at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz, respectively. The mean improvement in SRT was 33 dB, and SDS improved by 32%. There were no differences in improvement in pure tone thresholds and SRT among the three treatment groups. The late effect of OP was similar to the effect of salvage ITD.     

Intratympanic methylprednisolone administration promotes the recovery of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a retrospective case-control study

Abstract

Background: Efficacy of current treatment methods in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is still unsatisfactory.

Objective: This study aimed to discover in differences in effect between steroid applications responsible for promoting the prognosis in ISSNHL.

Materials and methods: A study was conducted to diagnose ISSNHL patients in our hospital from January 2014 to September 2016. All patients accepted treatments including intravenous injection (intravenous dexamethasone, [IV DXM]), intratympanic injection (intratympanic methylprednisolone [IT MP], intratympanic dexamethasone [IT DXM]) or combined injections with steroids (IV?+?IT DXM). Patients were divided into groups according to treatment outcomes and clinical characteristics of each group were compared for univariate comparison. Logistic regression was utilized to verify screening factors from univariate comparison for exclude biases.

Results: There were 313 patients with ISSNHL enrolled in the study. Logistic regression verified that vertigo (p?=?.023), severity of hearing loss (p=.969), pattern of hearing loss (p?=?.03), and the treatment method (p?<?.001) were statistically related to the patients’ prognosis based on the condition all biases had been excluded as possible. IT MP showed a better prognosis of hearing improvement compared to treatment with IT DXM (OR?=?0.5), IV DXM (OR =0.226), and IV DXM?+?IV DXM (OR?=?0.320).

Conclusions and significance: IT MP treatment could be utilized as initial treatment in ISSNHL and might promote outcomes.     

A comparison between systemic and intratympanic steroid therapies as initial therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a meta-analysis

Conclusions: Intratympanic steroid (ITS) treatment groups exhibited better outcomes in PTA improvement and recovery rate than systemic steroid therapy (SST) groups. Whether initial hearing loss severity would influence the PTA improvement and recovery rate still requires further research.

Objective: This article was aimed at evaluating whether intratympanic steroid (ITS) treatment would provide benefits over systemic steroid therapy (SST) as initial therapy in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL). A meta-analysis was carried out based on published RCTs that included the hearing outcomes of ITS treatment and SST in ISSHL as initial therapy. Both PTA differences and recovery rate were analyzed.

Methods: The literature search was based on the online database including Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane trails, which completed in July 2016. This study extracted the relevant data following the selection criteria. Mean difference (MD) of PTA differences and Odds ratio (OR) of recovery rate were calculated within 95% confidence intervals.

Results: Six eligible articles were reviewed. The pooled MDs of PTA differences was 3.42 (95% CI?=?0.17–6.67, p?=?.04) and the pooled ORs of recovery rate was 2.05 (95% CI?=?1.38–3.03, p?=?.0003), which indicated that ITS treatment yielded better PTA improvement than SST. Sub-group analyses based on the initial hearing loss were also conducted; however, the difference was insignificant according to our analysis results (p?=?.82 for PTA improvement and p?=?.26 for recovery rate).     

Actualización del consenso sobre el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la sordera súbita idiopática

IntroductionIdiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is a sudden, unexplained unilateral hearing loss.ObjectivesTo update the Spanish Consensus on the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of ISSNHL.Material and methodsAfter a systematic review of the literature from 1966 to March 2018, on MESH terms «(acute or sudden) hearing loss or deafness», a third update was performed, including 1508 relevant papers.ResultsRegarding diagnosis, 11 ISSNHL is clinically suspected, the following diagnostic tests are mandatory: otoscopy, acumetry, tonal audiometry, speech audiometry, and tympanometry, to discount conductive causes. After clinical diagnosis has been established, and before treatment is started, a full analysis should be performed. An MRI should then be requested, ideally performed during the first 15 days after diagnosis, to discount specific causes and to help to understand the physiopathological mechanisms in each case. Although treatment is very controversial, due to its effect on quality of life after ISSNHL and the few rare adverse effects associated with short-term steroid treatment, this consensus recommends that all patients should be treated with steroids, orally and/or intratympanically, depending on each patient. In the event of failure of systemic steroids, intratympanic rescue is also recommended. Follow-up should be at day 7, and after 12 months.ConclusionBy consensus, results after treatment should be reported as absolute decibels recovered in pure tonal audiometry and as improvement in speech audiometry.     

Frequency-specific efficacy of intratympanic steroid on idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Abstract

Background: Hearing recovery would be different in each sound frequency in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL).

Aims/objectives: To analyze frequency-specific efficacy of intratympanic steroid on ISSNHL.

Materials and methods: Of a total of 381 patients with ISSNHL (hearing threshold ≥40?dB; ≤30?days until treatment), 174 patients (174 ears) received systemic steroid plus hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO group), and 207 patients (208 ears) received systemic plus intratympanic steroid (IT group). Hearing thresholds at 125–8000?Hz were measured at every octave before and after treatment.

Results: % of patients with hearing gains ≥10?dB in the IT group was significantly higher for 500?Hz and the average of 5 mid-frequencies, tended to be higher for 1000?Hz, but was significantly lower for 8000?Hz, compared to the HBO group. Multiple regression analysis showed that hearing recovery was negatively correlated with patients’ age for 125/2000/4000/8000?Hz and with days from onset to treatment for all frequencies, and also revealed better hearing recovery at 500/1000?Hz in the IT group than in the HBO group.

Conclusions: Intratympanic steroid is more effective than hyperbaric oxygen to yield better hearing outcomes at mid-frequencies and would be advantageous to restore sound/speech perception.

Significance: Superiority of intratympanic steroid over hyperbaric oxygen for treating ISSNHL was verified.     

糖皮质激素的不同给药途径及时机对重度和极重度突发性聋疗效的影响

目的评价糖皮质激素的3种不同给药途径和用药时机对治疗重度和极重度突发性聋疗效的影响。方法根据糖皮质激素给药途径,将43例(43耳)重度和极重度突聋患者分为口服组(n=19)、静脉给药组(n=14)和鼓室内给药组(n=10),分别采取晨起口服强的松片、静脉滴注和鼓室内注射地塞米松的给药途径,其余治疗均相同;根据发病后接受糖皮质激素治疗的时机,将43例患者分为2周内组(n=37)和2周后组(n=6),比较不同给药途径及时机各组间疗效。结果鼓室内给药组,静脉给药组和口服组的总有效率分别为70.00%、78.57%和52.63%,显效率分别为60.00%、57.14%和36.84%,3组间的总有效率和显效率差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。2周内组和2周后组的显效率分别为56.76%和0.00%,总有效率分别为72.97%和16.67%,2周内组的显效率和总有效率均明显高于与2周后组(P<0.05)。结论作为重度极重度突聋患者的初始(一线)治疗,糖皮质激素的不同给药途径(鼓室内给药、静脉滴注和口服)对疗效无影响;开始糖皮质激素治疗的时机与疗效密切相关,越早使用则疗效越好,最好在发病后2周内开始用药。     

Intratympanale Dexamethasongabe

Background

Therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss is still controversial. Although there are no evidenced-based studies, therapy with systemic steroids is widely accepted as the gold standard. Intratympanic administration of steroids appears to be an alternative or additional method of management without the disadvantage of systemic side effects and, therefore, makes therapy accessible for patients with contraindication for systemic steroids.

Material and methods

This retrospective analysis compares the audiometric results of 25 patients who were treated with standard therapy (prednisolone, hydroxyethyl starch, pentoxyfylline) with 23 patients who additionally received intratympanic steroids (IT group). A total of 4 injections were administered within 10 days. The solution used consisted of 0.3 ml dexamethasone (8 mg/ml) and 0.2 ml hyaluronic acid 0.2%. The pure-tone average (PTA) was evaluated prior to and 3 months after treatment.

Results

The PTA 3 months after treatment showed an improvement of 48 dB in the IT group and 38 dB in the standard treatment group. The IT group achieved better recovery with an average PTA improvement of 68% compared to the standard treatment group with an average improvement of 59%. Neither result reached significance.

Conclusion

Combination therapy with intratympanic steroids showed a tendency for better hearing results without serious side effects. However, because current evidence is not adequate, randomized placebo-controlled multicenter studies are needed.     

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss after failure from oral and intratympanic corticosteroid

Systemic and intratympanic steroids are most widely used for treating idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Other treatments include vasodilator, immunosuppressant and antiviral medication. However, only 61% of patients achieve full recovery, and controversies about the standard treatment still exist. In this case report, we present a patient with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss who failed to respond to systemic and intratympanic steroid treatments but subsequently recovered after undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy.     

A comparison of single-dose and multiple divided daily-dose oral steroids for sudden sensorineural hearing loss

IntroductionGlucocorticoids are considered the first-line therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss. But there is currently no consensus on administering them as a single dose versus multiple divided daily doses.ObjectiveWe aim to evaluate the treatment outcome of sudden sensorineural hearing loss between a single-dose and multiple divided daily doses of steroid treatment.MethodsA total of 94 patients who were diagnosed and treated for sudden sensorineural hearing loss and followed up for more than three months were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into single-dose and multiple divided-dose groups, based on their medication regimens. Hearing thresholds were repeatedly measured: on the initial visit and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after the initial treatment. Treatment outcomes were analyzed by comparing hearing recovery rates and post-treatment audiometric changes.ResultsThe hearing threshold was significantly reduced at three months post-treatment in both groups. The hearing recovery rate of the single-dose group was significantly higher than that of the multiple divided-dose groups. Audiometric changes showed no statistical difference either in pure tone threshold or speech discrimination.ConclusionWhen oral steroids are indicated for sudden sensorineural hearing loss, both a single dose and multiple divided doses can be effective for treatment and have comparable results. However, the single-dose regimen seems to be more efficacious than the divided-dose regimen.     

Outcomes research analysis of continuous intratympanic glucocorticoid delivery in patients with acute severe to profound hearing loss: Basis for planning randomized controlled trials

Conclusions. The data presented herein form the basis for conducting randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of salvage treatment in patients with idiopathic sudden severe sensorineural hearing loss (but not anacusis) refractory to initial systemic therapy. Comparison of different application protocols and drug delivery systems will allow assessment of the value of continuous versus intermittent intratympanic glucocorticoid drug delivery. Objectives. To describe and critically evaluate the results of continuous intratympanic glucocorticoid delivery in patients with acute unilateral severe and profound sensorineural hearing loss refractory to initial systemic therapy and to compare the outcome with a historical control group. Material and methods. In a retrospective chart review, treatment results were analyzed in 23 patients with acute severe and profound hearing loss and failure of systemic standard therapy who received a continuous intratympanic delivery of glucocorticoids as a salvage treatment. Audiological results were compared within the local therapy group and with the results of an historical control group who did not receive salvage treatment. The study and control groups were matched with respect to hearing loss after initial systemic treatment failure. Results. The average pure-tone threshold after intratympanic salvage treatment showed a statistically significant improvement of 15?dB (95% CI?7–24 dB; p<0.001). After exclusion of patients with complete anacusis, i.e. a non-measurable hearing threshold, the local therapy group showed a significantly better improvement (mean 19?dB; 95%?CI?6–32 dB) than the historical control group (mean 5?dB;?95%?CI ??2–11 dB; p<0.05).