Can hyperbaric chamber cause hearing loss

Can a hyperbaric chamber cause hearing loss

When patients receive hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment, they may experience ear discomfort due to changes in the chamber's pressure. For example, they may feel stuffy in the ears and temporarily lose hearing, similar to the feeling when flying or diving. This is because the middle ear pressure is not adjusted in time, which may cause the eardrum to collapse or negative pressure in the middle ear. For patients with otitis media or sinusitis, hyperbaric oxygen treatment may aggravate these problems and indirectly affect hearing.

Its symptoms may include ear swelling, ear pain, tinnitus, and dizziness.

However, under professional guidance and correct use, the impact of hyperbaric oxygen chambers on the ears can be reduced.

Preventive and control measures

• Adaptability examination:

Before hyperbaric oxygen therapy, a comprehensive ear, nose, and throat examination should be performed to ensure no diseases such as otitis media to reduce the risk during treatment.

• Pressure adjustment skills: 

Patients should learn the correct Eustachian tube ventilation method during treatment. For example, pinching the nose to blow air can help balance the pressure in the middle ear and reduce discomfort.

• Professional guidance: 

During the treatment, professionals should provide guidance to ensure that the pressure changes slowly and reduces irritation to the ears.

• Post-treatment observation: 

After treatment, if there is a feeling of ear blockage, acupuncture or medication (such as glucocorticoids) can be considered to relieve it, and seek medical help if necessary.

• Individualized treatment: 

For tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss, the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy varies from person to person, and it needs to be carried out under the guidance of a doctor and may need to be combined with other treatments.

Can a hyperbaric chamber help treat Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

In 2014, the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Society (UHMS) updated its practice guidelines, officially recognizing ISSHL as an approved indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). The UHMS recommends 10 to 20 HBOT sessions at a pressure range of 2.0 to 2.4 ATA for optimal treatment outcomes.

What is ISSHL（Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss）

ISSHL (Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss) refers to idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss, which is sudden and unexplained hearing loss that occurs within a short period (usually within 72 hours). It usually affects one ear (i.e. only one ear), and patients may experience hearing loss within a few hours to a few days, with or without tinnitus, stuffy ears, vertigo, and other symptoms.

The main symptoms of ISSHL:

• Hearing loss:

Most patients experience unilateral hearing loss, with no warning signs before the onset of the disease. Hearing generally drops to the lowest point within minutes or hours.

• Tinnitus:

Tinnitus can be the first symptom, often accompanied by deafness, or may occur after deafness.

• Vertigo:

Mostly rotational vertigo manifested as visual rotation, unstable gait, etc.

• Other symptoms:

Some patients may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and cold sweats. A few patients may also feel a sense of blockage, pressure, numbness, or heaviness around the ear.

Related factors that may lead to ISSHL:

• Viral infection:

Viral infection may be an important risk factor for ISSHL.

Inner ear blood microcirculation disorder: Inner ear blood circulation disorder is also considered to be an important factor leading to ISSHL.

• Autoimmunity:

Autoimmune reaction may be related to ISSHL.

• Window membrane rupture:

Injury to the inner ear structure, such as window membrane rupture, may also cause ISSHL.

• Allergic reaction:

Allergic reactions may also be related to the occurrence of ISSHL.

• Insufficient sleep:

Long-term lack of sleep may increase the risk of ISSHL.

• Excessive fatigue:

Excessive fatigue is also a common predisposing factor.

• Mental tension:

Mental tension and psychological pressure may induce ISSHL.

• Emotional anxiety:

Emotional anxiety and stress response may also be related to the occurrence of ISSHL.

How does a hyperbaric oxygen chamber treat Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss ( ISSHL)?

Hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) is an effective auxiliary treatment method that promotes hearing recovery by increasing blood oxygen content and improving blood oxygen supply to the inner ear.

Therapeutic principle

• Increasing blood oxygen content:

Hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment can significantly increase blood oxygen content and the diffusion rate of oxygen, improving the blood oxygen supply to the inner ear.

• Improving inner ear microcirculation:

Hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment can constrict systemic blood vessels, especially those in the skull. It reduces the viscosity of whole blood, serum, and plasma, reduces hematocrit, and reduces resistance to blood flow, improving the microcirculation of the inner ear and enhancing cell function and vitality.

• Reducing inflammatory response:

Hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment can also reduce the inner ear's inflammatory response and protect the inner ear cells from further damage.