Source
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Abstract
CONCLUSIONS:
Intratympanic application of gentamicin is a relatively safe and efficient treatment for the reduction of complaints of vertigo attacks associated with Menière's disease. The treatment also reduces the severity of the perceived aural fullness.
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effectiveness of intratympanic gentamicin treatment in patients with unilateral Menière's disease.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
In a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial subjects scored vertigo complaints, aural fullness and tinnitus, before, during and up to 1 year after treatment. Hearing loss was monitored with pure tone audiometry.
RESULTS:
Gentamicin treatment resulted in a significant reduction of the score for vertigo complaints and the score for perceived aural fullness. A small increase in hearing loss (average 8 dB) was measured in the gentamicin group.