Transtympanic Delivery of Medications:
Gentamicin and Corticosteroids (Decadron) and others

This technique can provide medicines to the inner ear, usually at a concentration that is higher than can be achieved with oral or iv delivery, and avoid exposure of the rest of body to these medicines. It can be performed in the office under a microscope. There is little pain. The side effects, such as some temporary dizziness, blocked feeling or tinnitus, should be discussed with your doctor.

• Transtympanic gentamicin is used for intractable vertigo (Meniere’s disease).
• Transtympanic decadron is used in the treatment of sudden hearing loss.
• Other drugs, such as N-acetylcysteine for noise-induced hearing loss, antioxidants (glutathione and vitamin E) for tinnitus, and D-methionine for chemotherapy damage to the inner ear are undergoing investigation.