CLINICAL FORUM - A REVIEW OF INTRATYMPANIC THERAPY

Objective: This article provides an overview of the rational basis for the appropriate clinical use of intratympanic aminoglycosides and ste roids. Data Sources: The data sources were relevant English language c linical and basic science publications. Study Selection: The most rece nt publication available for each author or group of original, human, clinical reports about the technique were included. Data Extraction: T he techniques and results for control of vertigo and hearing loss were compared. Conclusions: At least 11 articles have been published that indicate that intratympanic gentamicin treatments control vertigo well and provide acceptable rates of hearing loss. Intratympanic gentamici n should be the initial treatment of choice for unilateral disabling M eniere's disease that has failed medical therapy. The use of intratymp anic steroids should remain investigational until more favorable data are available.