Clinical applicability
This study has shown salvage ITS therapy to be effective in a minority
of patients (15-24%), however for these patients it represents a final
attempt at treating their SSNHL. ITS therapy can be uncomfortable for
patients and sometimes can provoke feelings of dizziness post procedure.
The procedure itself is known to carry a small risk of perforation. Only
one patient was documented to have evidence of tympanic membrane
perforation 6 weeks post ITS injection in this study. This study
provides further evidence of a trend towards greater improvement being
more likely to be found in those with a greater degree of hearing loss.
It offers valuable real world experience that will enable balanced
discussion with the patient regarding the likely risks and benefits of
salvage ITS therapy. Additionally, this study will guide future
departmental decision making regarding our service for managing SSNHL.
This may involve implementing a more accelerated ITS regimen or
selectively offering ITS therapy only to those with more severe hearing
loss.