Meniere's disease -- intratympanic injections?

[pcbulens]

Has anyone had the series of intratympanic steroid injections for their Meneire's? I have been advised to do it but I tell ya, the thought of someone sticking a needle through my ear drum has me totally spooked. Anyone who has had this treatment, could you tell me how painful it was? I would have to have 4 injections over 2 weeks!

[joesyd]

I had this procedure a little over 3 weeks ago, and I can't hear out of the ear they went into.  Is this normal?  I could hear fine before, that wasn't my problem, but now I can hardly hear anything.  I also have an infection in that ear that is being treated with drops, but doesn't seem to be helping after 4 days.

[joesyd]

I had this procedure a little over 3 weeks ago, and I can't hear out of the ear they went into.  Is this normal?  I could hear fine before, that wasn't my problem, but now I can hardly hear anything.  I also have an infection in that ear that is being treated with drops, but doesn't seem to be helping after 4 days.

[pcbulens]

Yes, I just have the hearing loss and tinnitus and I really don't think, after 30 years, the steroid injections will help me much. I am 65 now and this deafness has really worsened substantially in the past 6 months and is likely to be age related. I am going to seek a second opinion. I think my current ENT may be trying to make some extra money with the injections in my case. I don't think they are really indicated. He also wants to give me 4 injections in 2 weeks which seems unusual.
BTW, thanks for your responses.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Studies have shown that intratympanic injection of steroids produces improvement of cochlear function in certain patients with Meniere's disease. Tinnitus improved in 47% of patients under study, most often in patients with Meniere's disease. However, patients with tinnitus and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (i.e., presbycusis), which is age related hearing loss did not benefit from the treatment. Please discuss this with your doctor am sure he will provide further assistance. And Good Luck.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[pcbulens]

Thank you. My vertigo burned out a long time ago so that is not a problem with me anymore. I have had Meniere's for 30 years or more. My biggest issue now is hearing loss and tinnitus. Do you know if it helps with that?

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Understand your predicament.
Steroids can be used intratympanically to treat Meniere's disease. They reduce the inflammation. According to studies done, injection of steroids intratympanically caused a significant improvement in vertigo. The injections (using dexamethasone or methylprednisolone) are generally given after a local anesthetic and are repeated every 2 to 4 weeks until the attacks stop. Clarify all your doubts with your doctor before consenting for the injections.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.