Intratympanic gentamicin for intractable Meniere's disease: 5-year follow-up

Objective: To determine the efficacy and morbidity of intratympanic gentamicin titration therapy on patients with incapacitating unilateral Meniere's disease. Method: The study consisted of a retrospective chart review and patient interviews. Sixty-eight patients had been followed for a minimum of 24 months and were reported on in an earlier study. Forty-six of these individuals were available for detailed follow-up at 5 years post-gentamicin therapy. Main Outcome Measures: Vertigo frequency, hearing status, personal disability ratings, and tinnitus level before and after gentamicin therapy were measured. Results: Seventy-four percent of patients showed complete vertigo control and an additional 7% showed substantial vertigo control. There was also significant improvement in personal ratings of social and economic functioning. Overall, the group showed no combined statistically significant changes in any of the hearing parameters. Conclusion: Intratympanic gentamicin titration therapy provides excellent vertigo control, with a similarly significant improvement in both personal and occupational functioning.