Table 1 Glucocorticoid therapy protocol in each group

Group 1

Pred.

Glucocorticoid therapy:

d1–d7: Oral Pred. 1 mg/kg/d (maximum daily dosage is no more than 60 mg)

d8–d9: Oral Pred. 10 mg less than d7

d10–d11: Oral Pred. 10 mg less than d9

d12: Oral Pred. 10 mg less than d11

d13: Oral Pred. 10 mg less than d12

d14: Oral Pred. 10 mg less than d13^a

Group 2

Met.

Glucocorticoid therapy:

One intratympanic injection of 40 mg/ml Met. at d1, d3, d5, d7, d9, d11, and d13;^b