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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2006

M Bennett ,
T Kertesz  and
P Yeung
M Bennett
Affiliation:
Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital and University of NSW, Australia
T Kertesz
Affiliation:
Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital and University of NSW, Australia
P Yeung
Affiliation:
Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital and University of NSW, Australia
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Abstract

Background: Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) and tinnitus are common. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may improve hearing loss and/or reduce the intensity of tinnitus.

Methods: We performed a systematic search of the literature for randomized controlled trials, and made pooled analyses of pre-determined clinical outcomes where possible.

Results: Six trials contributed to this review (304 subjects). Pooled analysis suggested a significantly increased chance of a 25 per cent improvement in hearing threshold on pure tone average with HBOT (relative risk (RR) 1.39, 95 per cent confidence interval (CI) 1.05–1.84, p = 0.02; number-needed-to-treat 5, 95 per cent CI 3–20), but not a 50 per cent increase (RR 1.53, 95 per cent CI 0.85–2.78, p = 0.16). The significance of any improvement in tinnitus following HBOT could not be assessed due to poor reporting.

Conclusions: HBOT improved hearing, but the clinical significance of the level of improvement is not clear. Routine application of HBOT to patients with ISSHL is not justified by this review. More research is needed.

Keywords

Hyperbaric OxygenationHearing Loss, SensorineuralTinnitus
Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 119 , Issue 10 , October 2005 , pp. 791 - 798
Copyright
© 2005 Royal Society of Medicine Press

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