Intratympanic dexamethasone plus melatonin versus melatonin only in the treatment of unilateral acute idiopathic tinnitus

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#dexamethasone #double-blind-method #drug-therapy-combination #female #glucocorticoids

Intratympanic dexamethasone plus melatonin versus melatonin only in the treatment of unilateral acute idiopathic tinnitus

Albu et al., 2014 | Am J Otolaryngol | Rct

Citation

Albu Silviu, Chirtes Felician. Intratympanic dexamethasone plus melatonin versus melatonin only in the treatment of unilateral acute idiopathic tinnitus. Am J Otolaryngol. 2014;35(5):617-22. doi:10.1016/j.amjoto.2014.06.009

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to determine whether the combination of intratympanic (IT) corticosteroid with melatonin could be associated with decreased tinnitus in patients with unilateral acute idiopathic tinnitus developed within 3months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated this hypothesis through a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial. Patients included in the study were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A - comprising 30 patients, received melatonin and IT dexamethazone, and Group B - including 30 patients receiving melatonin alone. After 3 months, improvement in tinnitus was assessed using different outcome measures: tinnitus loudness score, tinnitus awareness score, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: We have demonstrated significant improvements in each of the above mentioned outcomes subsequent to treatment in both groups. However, patients in the IT dexamathazone and melatonin group attained statistically significant better outcomes. Besides, the differences in improvement rate and cure rate were highly significant between the two groups, favoring the IT dexamethazone and melatonin group. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary study demonstrated that IT dexamethazone plus melatonin is efficient in improvement of idiopathic unilateral tinnitus developed within 3 months.

Key Findings

We have demonstrated significant improvements in each of the above mentioned outcomes subsequent to treatment in both groups. However, patients in the IT dexamathazone and melatonin group attained statistically significant better outcomes. Besides, the differences in improvement rate and cure rate were highly significant between the two groups, favoring the IT dexamethazone and melatonin group.

Outcomes Measured

  • sleep quality
  • PSQI (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index)
  • depression

Population

Field Value
Population unilateral acute idiopathic tinnitus
Sample Size 30
Age Range See abstract
Condition sleep

MeSH Terms

  • Dexamethasone
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Humans
  • Injections
  • Male
  • Melatonin
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Tinnitus
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tympanic Membrane

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: melatonin-tinnitus

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09