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Inner ear decompression sickness in sport compressed-air diving
Z Nachum1, A Shupak, O Spitzer
1Israel Naval Medical Institute, IDF Medical Corps, PO Box 8040, 31 080 Haifa, Israel.
The Laryngoscope
|May 19, 2001
Summary
Recreational diving can cause inner ear decompression sickness (IEDCS), even without violating dive tables. Early hyperbaric oxygen therapy is crucial for recovering hearing and balance function after IEDCS.
Area of Science:
- Diving Medicine
- Hyperbaric Medicine
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Inner ear decompression sickness (IEDCS) is a recognized risk of compressed-air recreational diving.
- Experience with IEDCS has been limited, necessitating further investigation into its incidence and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the experience with recreational diving-related IEDCS over a 12-year period.
- To analyze the evaluation, treatment, and follow-up of IEDCS cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, consecutive case series.
- Analysis of 29 cases of IEDCS in 24 divers treated over 12 years.
- Evaluation of symptoms, causes, treatment, and recovery outcomes.
Main Results:
- IEDCS represented 26% of severe decompression sickness cases.
- Most injuries (79%) resulted from decompression schedule violations.
- Full recovery was achieved in only 28% of vestibular and 32% of cochlear injuries, with earlier treatment (<6 hours) yielding better outcomes (53% vs. 11%).
Conclusions:
- IEDCS is more prevalent in recreational diving than previously assumed.
- IEDCS can occur even without explicit decompression schedule violations.
- Prompt diagnosis and hyperbaric oxygen recompression are essential for optimal cochlear and vestibular recovery.