AIM: Ménière's disease is characterized by recurrent vertigo attacks and hearing loss, and some patients do not respond well to medical treatment. In such cases, surgical procedures to reduce endolymphatic sac pressure have been considered. In recent years, successful results have been reported after endolymphatic duct blockage in patients with resistant attacks despite sac decompression. This study evaluated hearing function and the severity of dizziness after endolymphatic duct blockage.

METHODS: Twenty-one patients were included in the study. Preoperative pure-tone audiometry, the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, and a visual analog scale for dizziness severity and frequency were administered to the patients. The postoperative one-year results of patients who were operated on under general anesthesia were compared.

RESULTS: The average age was 48. The average disease duration was 10.9 years, and the average follow-up period was 23.4 months. No significant change in hearing thresholds was detected after surgery. However, surgery provided control of vertigo in 90.4% of patients.

CONCLUSION: This study recommends EDB as a strong alternative to only-ESD, given its preservation of hearing, its effectiveness even in patients with persistent dizziness despite ESD, and its low risk of serious complications.