Intratympanic steroid therapy for inner ear diseases, a review of the literature.

To evaluate the value of clinical trials on intratympanic steroid therapy in Ménière's disease (MD), idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) and rapidly progressive sensorineural hearing loss (RPSNHL). Medline and Pubmed databases from 1966 to present were searched for clinical studies on intra- or transtympanic (cortico)steroid therapy of MD, ISSNHL and RPSNHL. Results were cross-checked with additional databases to obtain a complete data set. Clinical trials were evaluated on the basis of comparability, internal and external validity. Articles were judged using the following questions: was a randomised double-blind controlled trial performed? Which criteria were used to confirm the diagnosis of MD, ISSNHL, RPSNHL? Which therapy was evaluated? How long was the follow-up? Which criteria were used to evaluate the results? Reliable evidence on the efficiency, optimum dosage and administration schedule of intratympanic steroid therapy in MD, ISSNHL and RPSNHL is lacking, therefore further investigation is required.