Hyperbaric oxygen therapy saves ears
Do you feel as if your ear is constantly "plugged up"? Hearing callers on the phone less and less well? It seems to you that everyone is suddenly speaking too quietly? This could be a symptom of sudden deafness. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the solution to this problem!
Sudden deafness is one of the most common indications for HBOT treatment. In Germany, as many as 80% patients using this therapy are referred for treatment due to middle ear disorders.
Sudden deafness is the partial or complete inability to perceive sounds, which can occur as a result of trauma, infection, viral damage, vascular or autoimmune disorders.
The sensory cells of the inner ear do not have full direct access to oxygen via the vascular route, so hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the only known method to increase the oxygen partial pressure in this structure. Oxygen administered under pressure improves rheological properties and microcirculation, optimising the conditions for regeneration of the inner ear.
According to the German Society for ENT-Diseases, Head and Neck Surgery, the following are eligible for HBOT treatment:
- Tinnitus caused by acoustic trauma, cranial trauma, sudden deafness, Meniere's disease
- Hearing loss associated with Meniere's disease, toxic damage, acoustic and cranial trauma or infection
- Deafness after sudden hearing loss, Meniere's disease, post-operative complications, cochlear damage, aural form of hemiplegia, pressure and acoustic trauma, toxic damage
- Dizziness associated with acute dysfunction of the peripheral part of the vagus, cochlear irritation and damage, Meniere's disease, sudden deafness
Numerous scientific studies confirm that HBOT has very good results in the treatment of sudden deafness. Early treatment significantly improves prognosis and even completely restores hearing. Often 10 treatments are sufficient, sometimes up to three series are needed.
The sensory cells of the inner ear are not fully supplied with oxygen via the vascular route, but by diffusion from the endolymph. Increasing the oxygen partial pressure there by HBOT may correct the oxygen deficiency in these cells.