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Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss ISSNHL is common, and defined as a sudden decrease in sensorineural hearing sensitivity of unknown aetiology. Systemic corticosteroids are widely used, however their value remains unclear. Intratympanic corticosteroids were given as primary or secondary treatment after failure of systemic therapy.
Our primary outcome was change in hearing threshold with pure tone audiometry. We included 30 studies, comprising analysed participants.
Some studies had more than two treatment arms and were therefore relevant to several comparisons. Studies investigated intratympanic corticosteroids as either primary initial therapy or secondary rescue therapy after failure of initial treatment. Intratympanic corticosteroids versus systemic corticosteroids as primary therapy.
We identified 16 studies participants. We found little to no difference in the proportion of participants whose hearing was improved risk ratio RR 1. Intratympanic therapy may increase the number of people who experience vertigo or dizziness RR 2.
