Outcomes of transtympanic dexamethasone perfusion using the MicroWick TM in patients with Ménière's disease: A cross-sectional study

PurposeTo assess the efficacy of a 4-week transtympanic dexamethasone perfusion using the Silverstein MicroWickTM in patients with Ménière's disease.Materials and methodsA self-reported questionnaire was designed and sent to patients who underwent transtympanic dexamethasone perfusion using the Silverstein MicroWickTM from January 2017 to December 2020. A retrospective chart review was conducted to gather demographic and audiological data of those who responded.ResultsForty respondents were separated into Group 1 (n = 34), who required no further procedure, and Group 2 (n = 6), who required additional procedure for Ménière's disease. In Group 1, 50% reported subjective improvement in tinnitus, 59% in aural fullness, 79% in vertigo, and 21% in hearing loss after the MicroWickTM treatment. A statistical analysis of the scores revealed that the improvement in aural fullness and vertigo met significance (p = 0.03 and p = 0.002, respectively). In Group 2, no significant change was seen in their symptoms. Audiological data showed no significant change in the pure tone average or the word recognition score after the treatment.ConclusionTranstympanic dexamethasone perfusion using the Silverstein MicroWickTM is a well-tolerated treatment option for patients with Ménière's disease. Our survey data suggest its significant efficacy in reducing aural fullness and vertigo attacks in these patients. Prospective studies will be conducted to further establish its potential role in successfully managing patients with Ménière's disease.