Tinnitus and Meniere's: Has anyone ever received... - Tinnitus UK

Tinnitus UK

9,711 members5,083 posts

Tinnitus and Meniere's

MrGC314 profile image
15 Replies

Has anyone ever received Intratympanic steroid injection in their ear(s) for Tinnitus or Meniere's?

I was just curious if it was worth it and made matters better. Is the injection painful or create other issues? My ENT has recommended it for my left ear which has a variety of issues. Thanks.

Written by
MrGC314 profile image
MrGC314
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
15 Replies
Jay2453 profile image
Jay2453

Hi, Yes I have had a few of those type of steroid injections in my left ear. A few years ago now. Certainly not painful, a bit uncomfortable and caused a very brief spinning sensation. That passed very quickly. I found they helped me with Menieres. I think the number you can have is limited, but for me well with having. Good luck if you go for them.

MrGC314 profile image
MrGC314 in reply to Jay2453

THANK YOU!

Estreham1 profile image
Estreham1

Hi - suggest you only take advice from qualified medics who have seen you, and if unsure, get a second opinion from another medical professional. Good luck and hope it really helps.

MrGC314 profile image
MrGC314 in reply to Estreham1

Thank you for your suggestion.

TinnitusUKPat profile image
TinnitusUKPatPartner

I would say that the relevance to tinnitus itself as a symptom is open to question - for the underlying causes of tinnitus like sudden onset hearing loss, whether that's connected with Meniere's or a different onset, that's a different question and certainly one worth picking up with a qualified doctor.

There's a good explainer piece on the Meniere's Society website which I'll link here for anyone interested - menieres.org.uk/files/pdfs/...

MrGC314 profile image
MrGC314 in reply to TinnitusUKPat

Thank you so much!

Loveclimbing profile image
Loveclimbing

Yes I did last year. It really helped my vertigo. It wasn't painful as the doctor numbed the area with a local anesthetic. I had to lie still for 30 minutes after the injection to allow it to settle. Vertigo was worse for a few hours and after a couple of days it was much better. I still get mild vertigo most days, but compared to how it was before the injection. Tinnitus hasn't changed with though.

MrGC314 profile image
MrGC314 in reply to Loveclimbing

Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

clyons2012 profile image
clyons2012

Hello, I had x3 of these injections, one each week under general anaesthetic at the end of 2019 for Menderes disease. The first 2 seemed to help but the 3rd one left my tinnitus levels a lot higher and the level hasn't really reduced since. This was something my Consultant warned me could happen. I am not sure whether I would recommend it as such but I think there are only so many of these injections you can have. Certainly my insurance would only cover 3 as they advised that it doesn't cure or prevent Menieres Disease. Wishing you all the best whatever you decide to do.

MrGC314 profile image
MrGC314

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I appreciate it!

Tanney profile image
Tanney

I have bilateral (both ears) Meniere's Disease. I've had it in left ear for 40 years and in right ear for 20 years. I had steroid injection once and it was unsuccessful in reducing vertigo and did nothing to improve tinnitus. I also had gentamicin injection in the left ear and that completely eliminated the vertigo. Gentamicin is a last resort proceedure because it deadens the balance nerve in affected ear. Let me know if you want more info about gentamicin use for MD. I'd be glad to share my experience with you. Are you taking betahistine? If not please consider requesting it from your doctor. Also, do you have allergies? Uncontrolled allergies are a significant cause of MD.

MrGC314 profile image
MrGC314 in reply to Tanney

Thanks so much for your information. Betahistine is banned in the U.S. It was once approved after being banned and then banned again in the late 60 challenging it's efficacy. I do not have allergies but I do have horrible sinus issues and a deviated septum. My treatment currently consists of a diuretic drug, nasal spray, netti pot, low salt intake and xanax. The tinnitus is horriblly disruptive and diminishes the quality of my life considerably. I also deal with distorted hearing, hyperacusis and I never know from one day to the next what my ears are going to feature. My tinnitus will wake me up at times out of a sound sleep when it's really spked. So, I was hoping the injection concentrated more on the noise level then the vertigo which comes and goes mildly buy noticeably.

Tanney profile image
Tanney in reply to MrGC314

You are misinformed about Betahistine.....it is not banned in USA. I live in Pittsburgh, Pa and I have been taking it for many years. It needs to be compounded at a local pharmacy with a prescription from your doctor. My ENT prescribed 4mg three times/day for 3 weeks, then 8mg three times/day for three weeks, then 16mg three or four times/day (maintenance level). Titrating up is important to avoid side effects. I've found Betahistine to be very effective in managing my MD symptoms of ear fullness/vertigo. I've also found that 0.5mg of Ativan (taken under the tongue) will decrease my tinnitus level when it is particularly loud. Also, I've found that hearing aids are effective way to reduce tinnitus. Regarding the nasal flush and nasal spray (I presume it is an antihistamine) please be sure you use them as directed. I"ve found that twice/day is very effective in reducing my allergy symptoms and MD symptoms.

MrGC314 profile image
MrGC314 in reply to Tanney

thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience.

Happyrosie profile image
Happyrosie

I’d just add that betahistine is no ,o get recommended for tinnitus treatment,

You may also like...

Menieres tinnitus

the aural fullness and ear pain, as if it's going to burst. The pressure in my ear greatly affects...

Tinnitus

both sides. My tinnitus is in left ear most of the time, ocasionally is starting in right ear too...

Tinnitus and antidepressants

I've read SSRI's can affect Tinnitus. The last few days my Tinnitus has become louder and a...

Tinnitus?

For some time my wife has apparently heard a short telephone ring during the night.To counter this...

Tinnitus

internet but I just get confused by the different sites all saying different things. Has anyone...