What Researchers Did
Researchers investigated the impact of hyperbaric oxygen exposure on Eustachian tube function and nasal airflow in six police divers during a regular training schedule.
What They Found
Middle ear impedance significantly decreased overnight compared to pre-dive values (P = 0.027) and after the first dive (P = 0.032), indicating impaired Eustachian tube function. However, nasal airflow velocities showed no changes, and no association was found between middle ear impedance and nasal airflow.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen treatment or professional divers may experience temporary impairment of Eustachian tube function, potentially leading to ear discomfort or pressure issues. This suggests that while the Eustachian tube is affected, the nasal passages themselves may not be similarly impacted by hyperbaric oxygen exposure.
Canadian Relevance
This pilot study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
A significant limitation of this pilot study is its very small sample size of only six divers.