TREATMENT OF TINNITUS AURIUM ORIGINATING IN THE INNER EAR

Middle Ear Injection with 4% Xylocaine Solution

Abstract

Thirteen ears in 11 cases with long-standing cochlear tinnitus have been treated with transtympanic injection with 1 cc of 4% Xylocaine solution which would cause anesthesia of the inner ear. Of the 13 ears tinnitus disappeared in 3 ears and markedly improved in 4 other ears.
Anesthesia of the inner ear was probably effective in the treatment of cochlear tinnitus. This effect might have been due to abolishment of abnormal excitation of the hair cell or blockage of a vicious circle.
The true evaluation of this method requires further observation of longer duration but the absence of untoward side effect may encourage otolaryngologists in trying this method for the treatment of those cases which have been resistant to any type of conservative measures.