Sudden deafness is believed to be caused by either a virus, tiny blood clot in the inner ear, Meniere's Disease or, rarely, a tumor growing on the hearing nerve. It is best treated by an Otolaryngologist as soon as possible after the hearing loss occurs. The treatment options are to give high doses of Prednisone for 2 weeks, followed by a tapering dose and /or placing the steroids directly into the ear using a MicroWick™ invented and patented by Dr. Herbert Silverstein in 1999.

The MicroWick™ is placed through the eardrum after anesthetizing the ear with a local anesthetic, zylocaine. The procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes and is done in the office minor operating room. A laser is used to make the opening through the eardrum over the round window which is like the cornea of the eye. If there are adhesions over the window, they are removed painlessly with a small instrument.

The MicroWick™ is inserted and rests against the round window. Dexamethasone 4mg is placed on the wick and a small amount is injected into the middle ear through the eardrum. The patient puts three drops of Dexamethasone drops in the ear three times a day, usually for one or more months. The drops are made in a compounding pharmacy. We prefer the MicroWick™ method because the concentration of the steroids is much higher than when taken orally. The steroids go directly into the inner ear without affecting the entire body. In patients with Hypertension, ulcers or diabetes, we are able to treat with the MicroWick™ and Dexamethasone. Although the results are not as great, we offer the treatment if the deafness is several months old.

If hearing loss remains after treatment, a biCROS hearing aid or Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) can be used to allow hearing in the deaf ear.

If you have any questions, need additional information, or would like to schedule an appointment, call TOLL FREE 1-888-418-9200