Dr. Nguyen Le Nhan Van, from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery at City International Hospital, stated that endoscopy, audiometry, and contrast-enhanced brain MRI results confirmed the patient had left vestibulocochlear neuritis.

The patient received trans-tympanic dexamethasone injections to deliver the medication directly to the middle ear, where it then diffused through the round window to the inner ear. Because he had underlying diabetes, the medical team opted for this method to limit systemic corticosteroid exposure and its impact on blood sugar levels.

After six injections, the patient's left ear hearing improved by approximately 15%, dizziness decreased, and the pain in his left ear subsided.

A doctor performs an ear endoscopy on the patient. Photo: City International Hospital

According to Dr. Van, dizziness, tinnitus, ear pain, and hearing loss can stem from various causes. If these conditions are prolonged, recurrent, progressively worsen, or affect daily life, patients should seek medical examination to identify the underlying damage before treatment.

Key symptoms to watch for include sudden dizziness or loss of balance, tinnitus accompanied by hearing loss or a feeling of fullness in one ear, recurrent ear pain, or associated abnormal neurological symptoms. Patients with underlying conditions such as hypertension or diabetes should fully disclose their medical history and current medications to help doctors choose appropriate treatment plans.

Trans-tympanic dexamethasone injections are not suitable for all cases of dizziness, tinnitus, or hearing loss. The technique requires prescription by a specialist after evaluating its benefits and risks.

Le Phuong