use of adamantane derivatives of the formula ## str1 ## in which r1 and r2 are identical or different and can be hydrogen or straight - chained or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms , or together with the nitrogen atom can represent a heterocyclic group having 5 or 6 ring atoms , in which r3 and r4 are identical or different and can be hydrogen , straight - chained or branched alkyl groups having between 1 and 6 carbon atoms , cycloalkyl groups having 5 or 6 carbon atoms or a phenyl group , and in which r5 is hydrogen or a straight - chained or branched alkyl group having between 1 and 6 carbon atoms for treating diseases of the inner ear .