When Your Ears Ring for No Reason – How a Hyperbaric Chamber Supports the Fight Against Tinnitus and Sudden Deafness
Tinnitus and sudden deafness are conditions that affect us at the least expected moment, significantly impacting our quality of life and daily well-being. They are characterized by a sudden deterioration of hearing and the presence of unpleasant sounds in the ears, described as ringing, whistling, or buzzing. They often appear without a clear cause, and getting rid of them takes a lot of time. Safe oxygen therapy treatments in hyperbaric chambers come to the rescue, helping you return to normalcy faster.
When the Noise Doesn’t Go Away – Tinnitus and Sudden Hearing Loss
Tinnitus, also referred to by specialists as “tinnitus,” is a subjective perception of sound in the ear that has no objective source. It can take the form of ringing, buzzing, whistling, or humming. Its causes are diverse and not always ascertainable. Most often, they include
- Damage to hair cells in the ear
- Blood circulation disorders in the ear
- Exposure to loud noises
- Stress and psychological tension
- Ear infections
- Certain ototoxic medications
Tinnitus can be a symptom accompanying other diseases.
Sudden deafness is an abrupt, unexplained hearing loss of at least 30 dB in three adjacent frequencies, occurring within 72 hours. The causes are often difficult to determine but may typically include:
- Circulatory disorders within the cochlea
- Viral infections
- Mechanical injuries
- Noise exposure
Sometimes, hearing loss is associated with illness.
Sudden impairment of the auditory organ is often accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness or a feeling of fullness in the ear, causing a constant sense of discomfort. The causes of middle ear dysfunction can vary, but in many cases, hyperbaric therapy helps reduce swelling and restore its proper functions. Thanks to this, hyperbaric oxygen treatment becomes a valuable tool in the fight against sudden deafness and tinnitus.
How Oxygen Therapy in a Hyperbaric Chamber Supports Ear Treatment
Hyperbaric therapy involves administering highly concentrated oxygen to the patient under conditions of elevated atmospheric pressure in a special chamber. The increased pressure in the chamber allows more oxygen to dissolve in the plasma, which significantly improves tissue oxygenation – including the structures of the inner ear – by increasing the partial pressure of oxygen in the ear. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy brings very good results and supports the complete resolution of hearing disorders.
Mechanism of Action of Oxygen Therapy in the Treatment of Sudden Deafness and Tinnitus
Treatments in hyperbaric chambers support patients with middle ear dysfunction by:
- Improving microcirculation: Increased oxygen pressure improves blood flow within the cochlea, contributing to the r
- Reducing swelling and inflammation: Oxygen therapy exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, which can reduce tissue swelling around the auditory nerve and improve nerve conduction.
- Stimulating angiogenesis: The treatment promotes the formation of new blood vessels, which improves blood supply to the inner ear.
- Increasing oxygen availability: A higher concentration of oxygen in the plasma allows for better oxygenation of ischemic tissues within the ear.
Effectiveness of Oxygen Therapy in Acoustic Trauma: A Review of Clinical Studies
Clinical studies have shown that HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy) yields good results in the treatment of sudden deafness, especially when therapy is initiated within the first few weeks of symptom onset. One study found that patients who received HBOT in combination with pharmacological therapy had a greater chance of complete or partial hearing recovery compared to those who received only pharmacological treatment.
In a study conducted in Poland, patients with sudden hearing impairment who benefited from HBOT in combination with pharmacological treatment methods showed significant hearing improvement, especially in the low-frequency range. No significant side effects of the treatment were observed.
Safety and Side Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is safe and well-tolerated by patients. The most common, though rare, side effects include:
- Middle ear barotrauma: Pressure changes can cause discomfort or pain in the ears. Such symptoms should be reported to the staff and discussed with a doctor.
- Oxygen toxicity: Very rarely, with prolonged use, toxic effects of oxygen on the nervous system may occur.
It is important that treatments are conducted under the supervision of qualified personnel who monitor the person undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy during the session.
Hyperbaric treatment is a very good method supporting the treatment of tinnitus and deafness. Early implementation of hyperbaric therapy significantly influences its effectiveness. HBOT can improve microcirculation and increase the amount of oxygen in the inner ear tissues, thus supporting the regeneration of damaged hair cells. Although the therapy is completely safe for most patients, it is worth discussing this form of treatment support with your doctor.
Sources:
- Evaluation of hyperbaric oxygen and pharmacological therapy in sudden hearing loss, Marcin Jadczak , Piotr Rapiejko, Ireneusz Kantor, Kornel Szczygielski, Jacek Usowski, Jacek Piechocki, Dariusz Jurkiewicz
- Sudden Hearing Loss Treated With Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) – Case Study, Michał Fal, Jacek Piechocki, Monika Morawska-Kochman, Maria Michałkiewicz, Tomasz Kręcicki
