What Researchers Did
Researchers evaluated the effect of barometric pressure changes from 20 scuba dives on a patient's preserved low-frequency hearing and cochlear implant function.
What They Found
A patient with a cochlear implant and preserved low-frequency hearing completed 20 scuba dives up to 92 feet (3.8 atmospheres absolute). Post-dive audiometric testing showed no change in hearing thresholds, and the cochlear implant remained unaffected. The patient experienced no adverse middle ear effects or inner ear barotrauma.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with cochlear implants, including those with preserved residual hearing, may safely participate in scuba diving. This suggests that recreational activities involving pressure changes might be accessible without adverse effects on their hearing or implant.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
As a case report involving only one patient, the generalizability of these findings is limited.