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Hyperbaric compression in the guinea pig with perilymph fistula
Paige E Lindberg1, G Joseph Parell, Byron J Gajewski
1Department of Otolaryngology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Summary
Hyperbaric therapy, or recompression, did not harm hearing or balance in guinea pigs with experimental perilymph fistula (PLF). This suggests hyperbaric treatment is relatively safe for patients experiencing PLF.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Hyperbaric Medicine
- Auditory and Vestibular Science
Background:
- Perilymph fistula (PLF) can cause auditory and vestibular dysfunction.
- Hyperbaric therapy is sometimes considered for conditions affecting the ear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of hyperbaric compression on auditory and vestibular function in a guinea pig model of perilymph fistula (PLF).
Main Methods:
- Guinea pigs with induced eustachian tube dysfunction and unilateral PLF were used.
- Animals were randomly assigned to receive hyperbaric compression (4 dives) or no treatment.
- Auditory function was evaluated using electrocochleography, and vestibulopathy signs were recorded.
Main Results:
- Hyperbaric compression did not result in significant hearing loss after accounting for PLF effects (P = 0.5411).
- Vestibulopathy occurred exclusively in PLF-affected ears, with similar incidence in both compression and noncompression groups.
Conclusions:
- Hyperbaric compression does not negatively affect auditory or vestibular function in guinea pig ears with experimental PLF.
- Findings support the safety of recompression therapy for patients diagnosed with PLF.