Long-term effect of transtympanic intermittent pressure therapy using a tympanic membrane massage device for intractable meniere’s disease and delayed endolymphatic hydrops

Background: A 12-month follow-up study showed that middle ear pressure treatment with a transtympanic membrane massage (TMM) device had a similar effect to a Meniett device. Objectives: The effects of pressure treatment with a TMM device were retrospectively compared to the effects of treatment with a Meniett device in patients with Meniere’s disease (MD) and delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH) who were followed for a minimum of 24 months. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven patients were treated with the TMM device and 14 patients were treated with a Meniett device. The insertion of a transtympanic ventilation tube was necessary for the Meniett device but not for the TMM device. Results: In patients treated with the TMM and Meniett devices, the frequency of vertigo significantly improved at 19–24 months after treatment. The distribution of vertigo at 19–24 months after treatment did not differ between the patients treated with the two types of devices. Pressure treatment for 8 months or more was suitable to achieve remission. Conclusions and Significance: Middle ear pressure treatment for 8 months or more with a TMM or Meniett device was equally effective and provided minimally invasive treatment options for intractable MD and DEH.