Five consecutive cases of sensorineural hearing loss associated with inner ear barotrauma due to diving, successfully treated with hyperbaric oxygen.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

This report describes the outcomes of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) due to cochlear inner ear barotrauma (IEBt) in five divers treated with hyperbaric oxygen (HBOT).

Methods

The case histories of five consecutive divers presenting with SNHL from IEBt due to diving, were reviewed. All divers provided written consent for their data to be included in the study. All had reference pre-injury audiograms. All noted ear problems during or post-dive. Independent audiologists confirmed SNHL in all divers prior to HBOT, then assessed outcomes after HBOT.

Results

Three divers breathed compressed air on low risk dives, and two were breath-hold. None had symptoms or signs other than hearing loss, and none had vestibular symptoms. All could equalise their middle ear

SUBMITTER: Smart D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12018693 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature