Systemic Versus Intratympanic Corticosteroid Therapy for Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss; A Meta-analytical Study

Abstract

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) is one of the most controversial issues in otology. There have been countless publications and debates concerning ISSHL over the last decades. ISSHL can be defined as a sensorineural hearing loss of sudden onset or one that happens in minutes, hours or even in a few days. The hearing impairment varies as far as intensity and sound frequency are concerned, some specifically say it is a 30dB hearing loss minimum, in at least three continuous frequencies with all known causes have to be ruled out previously The etiology of the ISSHL, as the very name states (idiopathic), is still unknown, what makes the topic still very controversial. In only 10% of the cases the cause can be found.