Abstract

Background and Objectives Background and Objectives: Intratympanic treatment with aminoglycosides for Ménière’s disease has been used, trying to eliminate vertigo complaints, while preserving hearing. This study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic outcomes for auditory symptoms in Ménière’s disease patients after intratympanic application with single low-dose streptomycin powder. Materials and Methods Ninty-eight patients diagnosed with definite Ménière’s disease who underwent chemical labyrinthectomy with streptomycin at Yonsei University Medical Center from March 1997 to June 2006 were enrolled. Low dose streptomycin powder (10 mg) was applied into the round window niche directly. Changes of hearing threshold, tinnitus and aural fullness were evaluated postoperatively according to Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium guidelines for the diagnosis and evaluation of therapy in Ménière’s disease of American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. Results Hearing threshold was not changed significantly after the procedure (from 65.5±19.1 to 69.3±20.0 p>0.05) and was improved in 7% of the patients. Hearing deterioration after the procedure was detected only in 17%. Tinnitus and aural fullness was improved in 51% and 25% respectively. Conclusion Single application of streptomycin powder filling round window niche showed minimal deterioration of hearing threshold. It is the useful method to improve or prevent the progress of auditory symptoms in patients with Ménière’s disease. Key Words: Streptomycin; Hearing loss; Tinnitus; Meniere Disease; Aural fullness

• Keywords: Streptomycin;Hearing loss;Tinnitus;Meniere Disease;Aural fullness;