Background: Sudden sensorienural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an otological emergency. Steroids, in various forms still the treatment of choice. Intratympanic steroids avoid systemic side effects. Higher concentration of drug is achieved in the end organ. Topical application of steroids in low dose is therefore, preferred. Methods: Prospective study of 36 months. Total 59 patients were included in the study. Intratympanic dexamethasone were given twice a week for 4 weeks, weekly for 3 months and once in 2 weeks up to 6 months. Pure tone audiograms (PTA) were taken on the day of first presentation (pre-treatment) and 1 month, 3 month and 6 month post treatment. They were compared to know the effect of local treatment. Results: Complete recovery noticed in 36 (61%) patients, partial recovery in 15(25.4%) patients and no improvement shown by 8 (13.6%) patients. Early initiation of treatment is the key to success. No serious side effects were noticed in our study. Conclusion: Intratympanic dexamethasone is cost effective, widely available. Intratympanic dexamethasone therapy can lower the total amount of steroid administration. It reduces the systemic toxicity, duration of treatment. This is one among the best option for treatment of SSNHL patients. The dosage and duration of this medication is individual to each patient. Nanocarrier – based therapy can diffuse into inner ear allowing direct drug delivery. Targeted delivery of certain type of nanoparticles is the latest therapy of SSNHL. Direction towards less toxic nanoparticles might be the future research with respect to therapy of SSNHL.

Background: Sudden sensorienural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an otological emergency. Steroids, in various forms still the treatment of choice. Intratympanic steroids avoid systemic side effects. Higher concentration of drug is achieved in the end organ. Topical application of steroids in low dose is therefore, preferred. Methods: Prospective study of 36 months. Total 59 patients were included in the study. Intratympanic dexamethasone were given twice a week for 4 weeks, weekly for 3 months and once in 2 weeks up to 6 months. Pure tone audiograms (PTA) were taken on the day of first presentation (pre-treatment) and 1 month, 3 month and 6 month post treatment. They were compared to know the effect of local treatment. Results: Complete recovery noticed in 36 (61%) patients, partial recovery in 15(25.4%) patients and no improvement shown by 8 (13.6%) patients. Early initiation of treatment is the key to success. No serious side effects were noticed in our study. Conclusion: Intratympanic dexamethasone is cost effective, widely available. Intratympanic dexamethasone therapy can lower the total amount of steroid administration. It reduces the systemic toxicity, duration of treatment. This is one among the best option for treatment of SSNHL patients. The dosage and duration of this medication is individual to each patient. Nanocarrier – based therapy can diffuse into inner ear allowing direct drug delivery. Targeted delivery of certain type of nanoparticles is the latest therapy of SSNHL. Direction towards less toxic nanoparticles might be the future research with respect to therapy of SSNHL.