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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss in divers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 October 2016

A W Van Der Wal ,
P J A M Van Ooij  and
J A De Ru
A W Van Der Wal*
Affiliation:
Diving Medical Center, Royal Netherlands Navy, Den Helder, The Netherlands
P J A M Van Ooij
Affiliation:
Diving Medical Center, Royal Netherlands Navy, Den Helder, The Netherlands
J A De Ru
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Central Military Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands
*
Address for correspondence: Dr A W van der Wal, Diving Medical Center, Royal Netherlands Navy, Postbus 10000, 1780 CA Den Helder, The Netherlands E-mail: alettavdwal@gmail.com
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Abstract

Objective:

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss in divers may be caused by either inner-ear barotrauma or inner-ear decompression sickness. There is no consensus on the best treatment option. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic value of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss in divers.

Method:

A literature review and three cases of divers with sudden sensorineural hearing loss treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy are presented.

Results:

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy resulted in hearing improvement in 80 per cent of patients: 39 per cent had hearing improvement and 41 per cent had full recovery.

Conclusion:

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improved hearing in divers with sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Keywords

Hearing Loss, SuddenHearing Loss, SensorineuralHyperbaric Oxygenation
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 130 , Issue 11 , November 2016 , pp. 1039 - 1047
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2016 

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