Publication:

A study to determine the incidence of otitic barotrauma during hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Background Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is approved as a treatment modality for large number of indications and Middle ear barotrauma is one of its most common side effects.

Methods A prospective study was done on 100 patients involving 1216 HBOT sessions for a period of 2 years on all those undergoing HBOT in our hospital.

Results 19 patients which was 1.56 per 100 treatment sessions developed otitic barotrauma with severity from grades I to III, maximum in II and none in IV to V. All resolved with temporary break in HBOT and treatment conservatively. The incidence of barotrauma was significantly less, probably due to the proper counselling, pressure equalization techniques and precautions.

Conclusions HBOT can be used as a safe treatment modality and the incidence of otitic barotrauma can be minimized with pressure equalization techniques and precautions during the therapy sessions.