Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Lipp, CH.
HBO of the inner ear
[ Diplomarbeit/Master Thesis ] Medizinische Universität Graz; 2005. pp.98.
- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Smolle-Juettner Freyja-Maria
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- INDRODUCTION: HBO is a systemic therapy during which patients breathe pure oxygen under elevated ambient pressure levels. Under hyperbarc conditions the oxygen partial pressure is improved on the basis of physical solution of oxygen in the plasma. Tinnitus and sudden hearing loss (SHL) are widespread but yet purely understood disorders which strongly influence daily life. A decrease in oxygen partial pressure is the most accepted pathophysiological thesis. Since no well established therapy for tinnitus and SHL exists the aim of this study is to monitor the incluence of HBO on inner ear disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 360 patients suffering from tinnitus who underwent HBO therapy completed a questionnaire which was statistically analized. Additionally pure tone audiography was performed in 160 patients before and after HBO treatment to objectify the therapy outcome. RESULTS: HBO had a positive psychological effect on the general condition of the patients and most of the patients experienced an amelioration of their disease. But results are obtained when the patient had a sudden onset of disease, suffered form stress and HBO was administered as soon as possible. The patients expectation and prior pharmacological treatment seem to have great impact on therapy outcome. DISCUSSION: Suggesting that tinnitus is due either to a decrease in oxygen pressure in the inner ear or to psychological problems, HBO seems to have positive effects on the patients not only because of the increase in oxygen in the cochlea but also because of the positive psychological effect. Pharmacological treatment and HBO should be administered in combination in order to ameliorate the therapy outcome.