Steroids are injected into the ear for two main conditions: sudden hearing loss and Meniere’s disease.

Under a microscope, local anaesthetic cream is placed on the ear drum. After waiting for the anaesthetic to work (approximately 10 minutes), the ear drum is injected with 1-2ml of liquid steroid.

This procedure may be repeated up to 2-3 times over 2-3 weeks.

In the treatment of sudden hearing loss, steroids can almost double the chances of your hearing improving, compared to no treatment. On average, steroid injections improve hearing by 10dB.

In the treatment of Meniere’s disease patients report a 90% reduction in the number of vertigo attacks; patients may need further treatment courses if their condition flares in the future.

Some people report temporary dizziness, but this is short lived. Some patients describe reduced hearing and feeling like they are hearing under water as the fluid is slowly absorbed into the inner ear. This rarely lasts more than a few days. There is a less than 1/100 chance of a small hole persisting in the ear drum after the injection. This rarely needs treatment, but if it is causing trouble, a short procedure to repair the hole can be undertaken.

This is a minor procedure undertaken in clinic with using a local anaesthetic cream. The procedure itself takes less than 5 minutes. There is no pain expected during the injection, but the injected fluid can cause mild to moderate discomfort in the ear after the injection, lasting 30-90 minutes. Painkillers can be taken orally 30 minutes before the procedure to reduce this pain.

Patients are asked to avoid swallowing and to lie in a specific position, so to ensure the liquid stays in the correct place for as long as possible.

After 30 minutes of rest the patient can go home.