AUDIOLOGICAL RESPONSE IN THE USE OF INTRATYMPANIC DEXAMETHASONE IN SUDDEN DEAFNESS AT HOSPITAL IPO

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an otolaryngological urgency yet to be fully understood, which can be treated with intratympanic steroid injections (ITSI), a treatment that, yet does not have a strict protocol. The objective of this study was to assess de efficacy of ITSI in patients afflicted with SSNHL treated in Hospital IPO. For that, thirty-four patients who underwent ITSI had their charts and audiometric exams reviewed to assess treatment efficacy both in audiological and symptomatic improvement and certain factors that could influence a positive outcome. In a mostly female (64.7%) study group, with an average 52.5 years that underwent ITSI as a secondary treatment in 91.2% of cases, the use of such treatment resulted in audiological improvement in 50% of patients and symptomatic improvement in 61.2%. There was significant correlation between less advanced age groups and number of injections and better treatment results. Nonsignificant parameters were in accordance with current literature, which is still divided on what impacts the positive treatment outcome. ITSI with dexamethasone in our study group matches efficacy rates in current literature. Some aspects deserve more study to create a protocol of ITSI use and improve its effectiveness.