Intratympanic Lidocaine as a Potent Remedy for Tinnitus in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objective This study evaluates intratympanic lidocaine's efficacy and safety for tinnitus relief in sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) patients. Methods In a double-blind randomized controlled trial, 100 SSNHL patients with unilateral tinnitus received either intratympanic lidocaine or saline plus usual care. Treatment impact was assessed at 1 and 3 months using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, subjective visual analog scale, pure-tone audiometry. Results The lidocaine group demonstrated significant tinnitus relief according to the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and visual analog scale, without pure-tone audiometry improvement or serious adverse events throughout the study period. Conclusion Intratympanic lidocaine provides a safe, efficacious treatment option for SSNHL tinnitus. Further studies should refine the dosage and delivery parameters because of SSNHL's heterogenous nature.