Longitudinal Evaluation of Hearing Function in Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Inside Attendants

BACKGROUND: Inside attendant personnel (IAP) working in hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) chambers face unique risks due to their exposure to pressurized environments, similar to those encountered by divers. During sessions, IAP breathe only compressed air, making them susceptible to potential adverse effects on hearing function. Previous studies have almost exclusively focused on divers, leaving a gap in understanding how these conditions might affect the hearing function of IAP. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the audiometry results of 15 IAP who worked at the Akyurt HBO2 Center between 2012 and 2023. Hearing function was assessed through pure tone audiometry at frequencies ranging from 0.5 to 6 kHz. The data were analyzed by comparing baseline and final audiometry results, with subgroup analyses based on age, number of sessions, and working duration. RESULTS: The study comprised a sample of 15 IAP, corresponding to 30 ears, who participated in a total of 2446 HBO2 sessions. The analysis revealed no significant changes in hearing function, and no clinically significant hearing loss was detected. Three participants experienced mild middle ear barotrauma, and no cases of decompression sickness (DCS) were reported. Percent change values were computed to show the change more clearly; however, no clinically significant or consistent changes were identified in any subgroup analyses. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that with proper precautions, the risks associated with barotrauma and DCS do not pose significant threats to the hearing function of IAP. In this occupational setting, ongoing health screenings and preventive strategies appear to be beneficial for main-taining auditory health.