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Published on: August 30, 2019
Vestibular effects of diving - a 6-year prospective study.
Frederik Kragerud Goplen1, Marit Grønning, Torbjørn Aasen
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, N-5021 Bergen, Norway. frederik.goplen@ore.uib.no
This study found no long-term vestibular disorders in working divers, despite common transient symptoms like dizziness and middle ear barotraumas. Vestibular issues are likely linked to specific events, not frequent diving itself.
Area of Science:
- Diving Medicine
- Vestibular Physiology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Diving activities pose risks of permanent vestibular end-organ injury from decompression illness (DCI) or barotraumas.
- Such injuries can result in persistent dizziness and disequilibrium.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate vestibular disorders in working divers.
- To correlate findings with diving exposure and injury history.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 67 male divers underwent otoneurological examinations, including electronystagmography (ENG) and platform posturography.
- Assessments were repeated at 3 and 6 years to track changes over time.
Main Results:
- No divers experienced inner ear barotraumas or DCI during the study period.
- Middle ear barotrauma was reported by 36% of divers; transient dizziness was common.
- No significant changes in dizziness prevalence or ENG abnormalities were observed over 6 years.
Conclusions:
- Transient vestibular symptoms and middle ear barotraumas are frequent in divers.
- The study found no evidence of long-term vestibular dysfunction related to regular diving.
- Vestibular disorders in divers are likely attributable to isolated incidents (e.g., inner ear barotrauma, DCI) rather than cumulative diving exposure.
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