There is no long-term benefit in delivering steroids directly to the ear in Menière's disease.
People with Menière's disease report distressing symptoms such as disabling vertigo, loss of hearing and tinnitus. Treatments such as steroids and low-salt diet may be unsuccessful. Researchers at the Medical College of Virginia in the US wondered whether it might be better to deliver steroids direct to the ear, rather than give them by mouth where side effects are more likely.

A group of 22 people with Menière's disease in whom other treatments had been unsuccessful had an infusion of a steroid drug into the ear. Afterwards, 12 had control of vertigo, which was welcome. But this was only long-term in four of the patients. The rest had no long-term benefit and hearing declined over time in over half of the group. The study suggests that infused steroids might be valuable in treating Menière's disease, but it is unlikely to halt the progression of the disorder.