Abstract:

Objective  To evaluate the effects of transtympanic administration of dexamethasone and intravenous administration for patients with acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss (ALHL)and diabetes mellitus. Methods   32 patients (64 ears) suffering from type 2 insulin dependent diabetes mellitus complicated with ALHL were randomly divided into the treatment group which was give both tympanic cavity injection of dexamethasone and intravenous administration, and the control group which was only given intravenous administration. About 1-3 months after the treatment, pure tone threshold ( PTT ) examination, tympanometry, auditory brainstem response ( ABR ) and otoacoustic emission ( OAE ) testing were required to be examined. Results   Efficiency was statistically significant between the treatment group and the control group (90.6% vs 71.9%).  PTA was statistically different before and after the treatment in the treatment group. Tympanometry showed type A. Compliance and tympanic pressure were normal. Stapedius reflex could be led in 50 ears (78.1%) before the treatment and in 58 ears (90.6%) after the treatment. ABR showed theauditory nerve conduction path was intact. OAE showed the inner ear function had improvements. Blood glucose levels did not significantly changed. There were no drum interior infection, tympanic membrane puncture hole condition, hearing decline, and systemic adverse reactions after a 1-3 months′ follow-up. Conclusion   The above method is good in effect and simple in operation for ALHL patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Key words: Type 2 diabetes mellitus; Hearing loss, sensorineural; Low-frequency; Intratympanic injection