What Researchers Did
Researchers reported five consecutive cases of sensorineural hearing loss caused by inner ear barotrauma from diving, all treated with HBOT, representing the first case series of this specific indication.
What They Found
All five divers responded positively to HBOT, with a median hearing improvement of 28 dB across all frequencies and 38 dB for PTA4 measurements. HBOT was beneficial even when administered up to 12 days after the diving injury.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Divers who develop hearing loss from barotrauma rather than decompression sickness have historically had limited treatment options. This case series suggests HBOT may restore significant hearing function in this group and warrants urgent referral consideration.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
Only five cases with variable steroid use and treatment timing affect data quality and limit conclusions about optimal HBOT protocols for dive-related hearing loss.