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What is MicroWick? The MicroWick technique is an exciting new method for treating a variety of hearing disorders and diseases. It cleverly allows medicine to be delivered directly to where it is needed, bypassing the time-consuming oral delivery method and its associated side effects. And because medicine is applied directly to the site, its effectiveness increases greatly.There are several very useful applications of the MicroWick, including • Ménière’s disease, • ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and • certain types of deafness.How does MicroWick treatment work? MicroWick is a minimally invasive procedure, done in an office setting and using local anesthesia. A laser is used to create a bloodless opening in the eardrum, through which a tiny endoscope is inserted. Then a tiny tube is inserted in the tympanostomy opening, creating a clear view of the round window membrane and the pathway though which the MicroWick is inserted. Now medication can reach the round window membrane and diffuse into the inner ear fluids, treating inner ear disease.After the course of medication is complete, the tube and MicroWick are removed in a simple office procedure. The opening in the eardrum heals soon after.What are the benefits of MicroWick? MicroWick treatment has several advantages over traditional surgical procedures to achieve the same results: • it is far less expensive than hospitalization for surgery, • it is painless, and • it is well tolerated by patients.Most insurance policies cover the MicroWick procedure, making it a realistic option for those who need a hearing-related surgery but are hesitant to undergo a traditional procedure.Best of all, there are few complications associated with the MicroWick procedure, and the results have been excellent. Using MicroWick to deliver the antibiotic gentamicin to the middle ear effectively relieves attacks of Ménière’s disease in 80% of those treated and preserves hearing in 95%. Specifically, • 80% of patients experienced reduced vertigo • Almost all patients experienced preserved hearing • In 60% of patients the pressure and tinnitus were reducedThese excellent results show the efficacy of MicroWick. The very best results of treating Ménière’s disease with MicroWick are achieved when treatment begin early in disease onset, when there is little damage to the inner ear from the disease.
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Herbert Silverstein, MD, FACS is president and founder of the Florida Ear & Sinus Center and the Ear Research Foundation, in Sarasota, FL. He has been consistently recognized since 1979 as one the "Best Physicians in the USA." He has been a leader in Meniere's Disease treatment for more than 25 years, developing surgical and diagnostic procedures; inventing instruments (such as the Microwick); teaching medical students, residents and fellows; and helping people from all walks of life.
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