Effectiveness of Intratympanic Dexamethasone with Lidocaine for Alleviation of Tinnitus

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of Intratympanic Dexamethasone with Lidocaine in control of idiopathic tinnitus.

Study Design: Randomized control trial (Clinical Trials. gov Identifier: NCT04798391).

Place and Duration of Study: ENT Department, PAF Hospital, Sargodha Pakistan, from Apr 2017 to Jul 2019.

Methodology: 264 consenting patients with idiopathic unilateral tinnitus presenting at ENT Department PAF Hospital Sargodha were assessed for tinnitus severity using the modified tinnitus handicap inventory. The scores were recorded and subsequently administered intra-tympanicaly 2.0ml (milli-liter) of Dexamethasone and Lidocaine (1.5 ml Dexamethasone ± 0.5 ml 1% Lidocaine). The dose was repeated twice at weekly intervals. All the patients were reassessed on the modified tinnitus handicap inventory two weeks after the third Intra-tympanic administration, with patients divided into responsive and noresponsive groups depending on ten points or more improvement in tinnitus score.

Results: Mean modified tinnitus handicap inventory score pre-therapy was 29.6 ± 5.68, and post-therapy was 17.1 ± 7.45. Independent-sample T-test applied showed a p-value of <0.001.

Conclusion: Intratympanic Dexamethasone with lidocaine has a definitively positive outcome on tinnitus improvement.