Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Hearing Loss
摘要
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a viable therapy option for hearing loss, particularly for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). This chapter explores the possible advantages of HBOT in aiding hearing recovery as well as the mechanisms of action. HBOT is administering 100% pure oxygen at higher atmospheric pressure, which improves oxygen transport to damaged tissues such as the cochlea. Improved oxygenation may help with cellular repair, auditory neuroprotection, inflammation reduction, and tissue regeneration, all of which contribute to hearing restoration. When paired with standard therapies such as systemic or intratympanic corticosteroids, HBOT considerably improves outcomes in SSNHL patients. HBOT’s optimal timing and frequency, as well as its effectiveness in certain patient subgroups, are still being studied. As medical professionals continue to refine its application and understand its mechanisms of action, HBOT holds the potential to create breakthroughs in audiological therapies, offering new possibilities for patients with hearing impairment.