What Researchers Did
Researchers described a case of recurrent inner ear decompression sickness in a recreational diver and investigated a potential underlying cause.
What They Found
A recreational diver experienced unilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo after two dives to 35 and 50 meters, with symptoms resolving after hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Investigation revealed a patent foramen ovale, a right-to-left shunt, which was suspected as the predisposing factor for the inner ear decompression sickness.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients who experience inner ear symptoms like hearing loss or vertigo after diving, even within decompression limits, should seek medical evaluation. Identifying a patent foramen ovale could help prevent recurrent inner ear decompression sickness in susceptible individuals.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
As a single case report, the findings cannot be generalized to a broader population.