Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) has long been used as the primary treatment for diverse patients. This includes those who suffer from decompression sickness and people with carbon monoxide poisoning. It is an additional treatment for 14 other conditions, including radiation damage, bruises, skin grafts, and burns. Medical therapy for the treatment of diabetic ulcers began in 2003. There is now plenty of medical evidence to support the use in the event of sudden sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus, at least in the initial stages.

Thus, most research shows that HBOT is most effective in reducing hearing and ringing disorders in the first three months after hearing loss or acoustic trauma. A review of clinical trials in Germany shows that HBOT is effective in 50% of cases where hearing loss is reduced by 20 dB or more. About 11% experienced a full recovery.

Regarding tinnitus, an estimated 7,766 patients in the same study showed a 50% reduction in tinnitus in about 70% of cases treated in 3 months. About 30% of patients have completely recovered from tinnitus. Tinnitus that lasts more than three months, shows a 50% increase in tinnitus in 30% of patients. No improvement in chronic tinnitus was observed after 12 months.

Another study, conducted in Europe but published in the United States, looked at 50 patients who got enrolled within 48 hours after sudden hearing loss. In this study, it was not the severity of ringing in the ears, but the extent to which hearing loss was assessed. Thirty patients received HBOT, 20 received vasodilators. Of the 30 HBOT patients, 25 (83.3%) showed very well (50% or more) or significant improvement (25% to 50%).

So, let us see this blog provided by Dr.Praveen Saxena about how HBOT helps in the treatment of tinnitus. Before that, let’s know what tinnitus is.

Tinnitus:

Tinnitus is sound awareness in the ear or head that does not originate from an external source. There are many types of tinnitus sounds. Descriptions commonly used are hissing, whistles, whirr, rings, or buzz. Sometimes it can be a music segment. The pitch can be high or low, and the level can vary from time to time.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy Treatment Procedure for Tinnitus:

During hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), the patient sits in a pressure chamber. These chambers are designed for one or more people. Atmospheric pressure rises to 2.5 times the normal atmospheric pressure at sea level.

The patient then inhales pure oxygen from the mask. The air in the room has a healthy composition at all times. The typical HBOT session lasts 1 or 2 hours and is repeated 10 or 15 times on successive days.

There are no unwanted side effects for HBOT. Sometimes patients complain of claustrophobia. If this is suspected, the doctor usually allows the person to slowly adjust to being in the chamber for several minutes until the problem is reduced to a manageable level. Anxiety medicines are sometimes used.

How HBOT Works In Tinnitus?

Because of increased pressure in the room, more oxygen is dissolved in the blood than under normal conditions. With HBOT, blood oxygen content can reach 7%, which is 20 times higher than usual. Parts of the body that have been damaged by inadequate oxygen supply are now exposed in significant amounts. It allows the initiation of biological processes that depend on oxygen. In 40% of cases, the patient’s condition continues to improve even after treatment has stopped.

In tinnitus treatment, HBOT increases oxygen pressure in the inner ear. Oxygen flows from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure. It has been shown that oxygen supply to the cochlea decreases sharply during and after acoustic pressure and with acute hearing loss. Oxygenation in the cochlea increases to 460% during HBOT exposure, and it is still 60% above than normal for one hour after treatment is stopped.

Sensory cells in the inner ear can be affected by increased oxygen pressure in the cochlea. These cells do not have direct vascular supply and are entirely dependent on oxygen supplied by diffusion. Increased oxygen pressure can compensate for the lack of oxygen caused by trauma and leads to biological mechanisms involved in functional recovery.

Hair cells in the inner ear respond in the same way to damage caused by noise, viruses, ototoxic substances (which are poisonous to the ear), or hypoxia (lack of oxygen). The hair cells swell first and lose its function. This effect can be reversible with minor damage, and sometimes hair cells with minor damage regain their function. If there is severe damage or if the swelling lasts more than one year, the hair cells get degenerate and replaced by cells that are not functioning.

Conclusion:

Regardless of the condition, best treatment results achieved in early approached cases, many people in Germany and Europe with chronic tinnitus and hearing loss get treated with HBOT. In Germany, there are about 80 hyperbaric oxygen chambers with the multi-person, and 80% of the treatments are related to inner ear dysfunction. German Society for ENT disease calls HBOT as one of the best remedies known for symptoms of hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, head injury, and trauma.

So, HBOT is the best treatment concluded after many clinical trials. If you are suffering from tinnitus and looking for therapy go to Dr Praveen Saxena Who can provide you with integrative treatment modality  HBOT without any side effects, contact Dr Saxena Clinic for an appointment at 040-23428989 or book your appointment online.