Intra Tympanic Injection

Procedure:

1. Preparation: Before the procedure, the patient’s ear is typically examined by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or audiologist. The healthcare provider may use an otoscope to ensure that the tympanic membrane is intact and to assess the condition of the ear.

2. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia may be used to numb the ear canal and reduce discomfort during the injection. This may involve the application of a numbing solution or a local anesthetic gel.

3. Injection: A fine, sterile needle or a small catheter is inserted through the ear canal and into the middle ear space, which is located behind the eardrum. The medication is then slowly injected into the middle ear.

4. Positioning: After the injection, the patient is typically asked to remain in a specific head position, often lying down or with the treated ear facing upwards. This helps to ensure that the medication remains in contact with the targeted area within the inner ear.

5. Monitoring: The patient is observed for a short period to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions or complications.

Applications:

Intratympanic injections are primarily used to treat conditions associated with the inner ear, such as:

1. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL): Intratympanic steroid injections are often administered to treat SSNHL, a sudden, unexplained loss of hearing in one or both ears.

2. Meniere’s Disease: The procedure may be used to alleviate symptoms of Meniere’s disease, such as vertigo and tinnitus.

3. Tinnitus: Intratympanic injection of certain medications may be considered for the treatment of tinnitus, especially when it is associated with inner ear disorders.

4. Vestibular Disorders: In some cases, medications can be delivered directly into the middle ear to manage vestibular disorders that affect balance and spatial orientation.

5. Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease (AIED): Intratympanic steroids may be used to manage AIED, an autoimmune condition that affects hearing.