Update on intratympanic gentamicin for Meniere's disease

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature relating to intratympanic gentamicin injection therapy for Meniere's disease to detect consistencies and differences that might suggest optimal technique.

DESIGN: Retrospective literature review.

METHODS: Eighteen papers from the literature regarding clinical experience with intratympanic gentamicin injections for treatment of Meniere's disease were reviewed and tabulated.

RESULTS: All papers reported high success rates in treating episodic vertigo of Meniere's disease, but technique, dose, duration, and treatment philosophy varied considerably. Hearing loss was typically reported in about 30% of patients.

CONCLUSION: No single technique of gentamicin injection has a significant medical advantage over the others. Until controlled studies indicate otherwise, nonmedical needs such as convenience and safety may be considered when choosing a technique.