What Researchers Did
Researchers prospectively measured eustachian tube function in 33 adult patients before and after hyperbaric oxygen therapy using a 9-step inflation-deflation test.
What They Found
After treatment, 15 of 33 patients (45%) showed evidence of eustachian tube dysfunction. Overall, 27 patients (82%) experienced ear fullness, 17 (52%) developed serous otitis media, and 8 (24%) required tympanostomy tubes.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be aware of a high risk of middle ear complications, including pain, fullness, and the potential need for ear tube insertion. Those with pre-existing eustachian tube issues may be particularly susceptible to these adverse effects.
Canadian Relevance
This study was not conducted in Canada and does not have a direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The study's findings are limited by its relatively small sample size of 33 patients.