Decompression sickness induced hearing loss. A review

Otologic manifestations of decompression sickness (DCS) occur only rarely. However, with more frequent exposures to deeper depths in recent years, several reports of hearing loss due to DCS have appeared. Nevertheless, the scant literature directly discussing the subject establishes otologic DCS as an important cause of diving-induced hearing loss. When hearing impairment with or without vestibular symptoms is a solitary manifestation of DCS type II, it may be difficult to distinguish from middle and inner ear barotrauma resulting in labyrinthine window fistula. Once a diagnosis is established, immediate recompression treatment with hyperbaric oxygen may result in complete recovery. The pathologic mechanism is discussed and the pertinent literature reviewed.