Decompression Sickness Induced Hearing Loss A Review

Yoav P. Talmi, Yehuda Finkelstein, Yuval Zohar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Decompression sickness induced hearing loss. A review. Talmi, Y. P., Finkelstein, Y. and Zohar, Y. (Department of Otolaryngology, Hasharon Hospital, Golda Medical Center, Petah Tikvah, Israel). Scand Audiol 1991; 20: 25-28. Otologic manifestations of decompression sickness (DCS) occur only rarely. However, with more frequent exposures to deeper depths in recent years, several reports of hearing loss due to DCS have appeared. Nevertheless, the scant literature directly discussing the subject establishes otologic DCS as an important cause of diving-induced hearing loss. When hearing impairment with or without vestibular symptoms is a solitary manifestation of DCS type 11, it may be difficult to distinguish from middle and inner ear barotrauma resulting in labyrinthine window fistula. Once a diagnosis is established, immediate recompression treatment with hyperbaric oxygen may result in complete recovery. The pathologic mechanism is discussed and the pertinent literature reviewed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)25-28
Number of pages4
JournalScandinavian Audiology
Volume20
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1991
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • caisson disease
  • decompression sickness
  • diving
  • hyperbaric oxygen therapy
  • sensorineural hearing loss
  • tinnitus

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