OBJECTIVETo investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of transtympanic pressure treatment in the management of recalcitrant vertigo in Meniere disease in order to lead to the further long-term treatment.

METHODSUsing cross-sectional case study, eighteen patients with medically intractable and active Meniere disease were opted to manage with Meniett pulse generator. A standard ventilation tube was inserted in the affected ear and the treatment period with Meniett pulse generator was 8 weeks. Patients indicated on the symptom report card and six-point functional scale the maximum level of vertigo, activity and stress. Hearing was assessed by pure tone average thresholds (PTA), moreover, electrocochleogram and vestibular caloric were performed.

RESULTSOf eighteen patients, the changes of vertigo severity, vertigo frequency, sick day and six-point functional scale between after and before treatment with Meniett were statistically significant (P < 0.05), moreover, the changes of--SP/AP between after and before treatment with Meniett were statistically significant (P < 0.05). No change in vestibular function was noted. Two of 18 patients showed a significant PTA increase of 10dB or more and hearing was stable in the remainder of patients 4 weeks after treatment with Meniett. Twelve of 18 patients showed a significant PTA increase of 10dB or more and hearing was stable in the remainder of patients 8 weeks after treatment with Meniett. There were no complications during 6-month follow-up with Meniett.

CONCLUSIONSMeniett seemed to be a safe, effective and non-destructive level of therapy, which could reduce vertiginous symptoms and functional handicap and showed an improvement of hearing in patients with medically intractable Meniere disease. This method was recommended before attempting any surgical or chemical vestibular ablation procedure.