This information provides guidance about intratympanic steroid injection. It should help you understand the procedure and support you in making an informed decision about your care.
What is an intratympanic steroid injection
An intratympanic steroid injection involves placing steroid medication, by an injection, through the eardrum into the middle ear. The steroid is then absorbed into the inner ear where it may reduce inflammation.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic to numb the eardrum. You will be awake during the procedure and will need to be able to lie flat for 15 minutes on a treatment couch.
Why this treatment is used
Inner ear hearing loss can happen when the inner ear becomes inflamed or irritated. In autoimmune inner ear disease this is due to the body’s immune system causing inflammation. In sudden hearing loss the exact cause is often not known, but inflammation and reduced blood flow to the inner ear are thought to play a role. In Ménière’s disease, it is suspected that an inflammatory trigger provokes Ménière’s attacks.
Steroids may help by reducing inflammation. Administering the steroid directly through the eardrum allows it to reach the inner ear at a high enough concentration, without the risks associated with systemic (oral or intravenous) steroids.
What are the benefits of having this procedure?
- Steroid is delivered directly into the middle ear, where it passes into the inner ear
- Injection avoids side effects of oral steroids
- May still work if tablets have not helped
What are the risks of having this procedure?
Complications are uncommon. However possible risks include:
- Temporary dizziness and nausea
- Mild pain during or after the procedure
- Very small risk of a persistent hole in the eardrum
- The treatment may not work
What happens during the procedure?
- You will be sat in a reclined position
- Local anaesthetic is applied to numb the eardrum
- A dose of steroid is injected through the eardrum
- You will be laid flat for 10-15 minutes after the injection
- Try not to sit up and resist the desire to swallow
- You may feel dizzy for up to an hour afterwards.
Please do not drive for several hours following the procedure and consider appropriate transport for your journey home.
Concerns
ENT Outpatient Department
In case of concerns following the procedure, please contact:
