If you’ve suddenly lost your hearing, there’s a good chance you’re looking for ways to regain it. While some cases of sudden hearing loss are permanent, others may improve with treatment. One potential option is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Read on to learn more about HBOT and whether it may be right for you.
What is HBOT and how does it Work?
HBOT, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy, is a protocol that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The chamber can be pressurized anywhere between 2-3 ATMs and can be filled with either air or oxygen. Oxyhelp takes your safety seriously, our chambers are filled with 2 ATM of air and 95% oxygen is supplied to the user through tubing instead of 100% oxygen, making it a safer option when it comes to oxygen toxicity and fire hazard.
This allows the oxygen to reach higher levels in your body and can help to treat conditions such as infections, wounds that won’t heal, and blood clots. HBOT can also be used to help improve recovery after certain surgeries.
The chamber is usually made of clear plastic and has a soft mattress inside. You will need to remove any loose clothing, jewelry, or glasses before getting into the chamber. The door will then be sealed shut and the chamber will be pressurized with oxygen. You may feel some pressure in your ears as the chamber pressurizes, but this should go away after a few minutes. Once the chamber is pressurized, you will be able to breathe normally.
Some people may feel claustrophobic in the chamber, but there is usually a window that you can see out of. The session usually lasts for about an hour, although it can be shorter or longer depending on your condition.
What is Sudden Hearing Loss?
Sudden hearing loss is an unexplained, sudden drop in hearing. It can happen in one or both ears, and it can be temporary or permanent. Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency and should be treated as soon as possible.
Treatment for sudden hearing loss depends on the underlying cause. If a treatable cause is found, such as an infection or a buildup of fluid in the ear. It may improve hearing but in some cases, surgery may be necessary.
Sudden hearing loss can be a frightening experience. If you experience sudden hearing loss, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. With prompt treatment, many people can regain some or all of their hearing.
What are the Causes of Sudden Hearing Loss?
There are many potential causes of sudden hearing loss. It could be due to a viral infection, an autoimmune disorder, exposure to loud noise, or a head injury. Sometimes, the exact cause is unknown. Medical TREATMENT for sudden hearing loss often includes corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and help the ear recover. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a damaged eardrum or blood vessel.
How is Sudden Hearing Loss Treated?
There are a few different ways that sudden hearing loss can be treated. Depending on the severity of the hearing loss, different approaches may be necessary. In some cases, simply avoiding loud noises and resting the ears can help to improve hearing. However, if the hearing loss is more severe, medical intervention may be required.
Some common protocols for sudden hearing loss include:
- Steroids: A course of oral or injectable steroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and improve hearing.
- Antibiotics: If an infection is suspected to be the cause of the sudden hearing loss, antibiotics may be prescribed.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying cause of the sudden hearing loss. This could involve procedures to repair a damaged eardrum or to correct a structural problem in the ear.
- Hearing aids: If the hearing loss is permanent, hearing aids can be used to improve hearing.
How can HBOT Help with Sudden Hearing Loss?
If you experience sudden hearing loss, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may be an effective protocol. This increases the amount of oxygen in the blood and tissues, which can help to improve healing and reduce inflammation. The increased pressure inside the chamber stimulates the eardrum to vibrate thus improving your hearing.
There is some evidence that HBOT may be effective in treating sudden hearing loss. One study found that HBOT was associated with an improved chance of recovery compared to no treatment at all. Another study found that HBOT was associated with a higher rate of complete hearing recovery compared to standard medical treatment.
However, you have to realize that HBOT is not a magic protocol or medical treatment, thus it may take several sessions over time for your hearing to improve.
What Precautions should you take when using HBOT for Hearing Loss?
If you’re considering HBOT for hearing loss, it’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to ensure that HBOY is appropriate for you. There are certain risks associated with HBOT, and it’s important to be aware of these before beginning the sessions.
When used correctly, HBOT can be effective for recovering from hearing loss. However, there are some risks involved. It’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to make sure that HBOT is right for you. Some of the potential risks associated with HBOT include:
- Ear pain
- Middle ear barotrauma
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sinus pain or pressure
- Fatigue
- Headache
If you experience any of these side effects during an HBOT session, it’s important to let your healthcare professional know so that they can adjust accordingly. Additionally, if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, it’s important to make sure that HBOT is safe for you to undergo.
Can you use HBOT at Home for Hearing Loss?
With Oxyhelp’s monoplace chamber: https://oxyhelp.com/hyperbaric-oxygen-chambers/, you can now undergo HBOT in the comfort of your home. Our monoplace takes minimal space and is specially designed to keep the safety of your house in check. You can control our chamber with the touch of your smart and with our easy-to-use interface, you will have no trouble in setting up the perfect environment for you.
HBOT is a promising protocol for sudden hearing loss and holds the potential to help restore hearing in some cases. However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of HBOT for this condition. If you experience sudden hearing loss, it is important to seek medical attention right away as HBOT may help to improve your hearing and quality of life but it is not a cure for sudden hearing loss.
