What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted an observational case series of 13 divers with inner ear decompression sickness (IEDCS) presenting to a UK hyperbaric center, combining HBOT with customized vestibular rehabilitation and tracking balance and symptom outcomes over 3 months.
What They Found
Average scores for vertical perception, balance posturography, dynamic gait index, and patient-reported outcomes all improved by discharge and at 3-month follow-up. However, 67% still showed abnormal vestibular test findings despite reporting symptom resolution, suggesting ongoing vestibular deficit that divers may not perceive.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian divers recovering from inner ear decompression sickness may feel better but still have measurable balance problems that could be dangerous underwater. This study recommends formal vestibular testing and rehabilitation for all IEDCS patients, and suggests a cardiac shunt should be investigated before return to diving.
Canadian Relevance
Decompression sickness is an OHIP-covered indication for HBOT in Ontario. Canadian recreational divers experiencing ear or balance symptoms after a dive should seek urgent assessment at a hyperbaric facility.
Study Limitations
Small case series of 13 patients without a control group; the contribution of vestibular rehabilitation versus HBOT alone cannot be separated from these data.