Tinnitus and dexamethasone
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the results of intratympanic dexamethasone infusion for treatment of subjective idiopathic tinnitus (SIT). Its etiopathogenesis is uncertain and frequently its origin can be connected with cochlear latent disorders, cito-neural disfunctions and sometimes central nervous system diseases. To recognize the origin of (SIT) every patient was studied by means of common audiological tests and by three pharmacological tests. The intratympanic dexamethasone treatment was undertaken as described by Sakata. This therapeutic technique introduces dexamethasone directly into the tympanic cavity enabling; the use of a high concentration drug solution, contact with the timpanic cavity for a much longer period facilitating its passage through the round window into the inner ear. It is assumed that the medicine, absorbed by the labyrinth, may have sedative, metabolic improving and especially edema-relieving effects on auditory hair cells, eliminating the abnormal excitation state which can cause SIT.