What Researchers Did
Researchers gave hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to 20 patients with severe, long-lasting tinnitus who had not found relief from other treatments.
What They Found
Of the 16 patients who completed the hyperbaric oxygen therapy, six (37.5%) reported a reduction in their tinnitus and related symptoms, with these improvements lasting up to one year. Conversely, eight patients (50%) experienced no change, and two patients (12.5%) noted an adverse effect from the treatment.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients experiencing severe, long-term tinnitus that has not responded to other therapies, this study suggests HBOT might offer some relief for a subset of individuals. However, it is crucial to understand that not all patients benefited, and some experienced negative outcomes, making careful discussion with a healthcare provider essential before considering this option.
Canadian Relevance
Tinnitus is not a Health Canada-recognized indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and this study did not involve Canadian authors or participants. Therefore, no direct Canadian connection is identified.
Study Limitations
The study's small sample size of 20 patients and the absence of a control group limit the generalizability and strength of its findings.