Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Hearing Loss

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can be a game-changer if you’re facing sensorineural hearing loss as it has shown undeniable proofs that it can treat hearing loss.

Small studies and recent trials highlight its effectiveness, especially when combined with oral steroids for sudden cases (more on that later on).

HBOT works by breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The therapy is administered in a specialized chamber called a hyperbaric chamber, where the patient is enclosed and the pressure is gradually increased.

Costs vary, and insurance coverage is not guaranteed, so you’ll need to weigh the options. Stories of significant hearing improvements post-HBOT are encouraging.

If traditional methods haven’t worked for you, considering HBOT might open new doors to managing your hearing loss effectively.

What is HBOT?

But first, what is HBOT anyway?

HBOT stands for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. It is a medical treatment that involves breathing 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber called a hyperbaric chamber.

The patient breathes in this oxygen at a pressure higher than the normal atmospheric pressure. This increased pressure allows the oxygen to dissolve more effectively in the blood, leading to higher oxygen levels in the body’s tissues.

HBOT can help improve oxygenation in tissues that are damaged or have reduced blood flow, promoting healing and recovery. It can also enhance the body’s natural healing processes, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the growth of new blood vessels.

Types of Hearing Loss

Now, if you’re experiencing difficulty in hearing, it’s important to know that not all hearing losses are the same.

• Sensorineural hearing loss, for instance, stems from inner ear or hearing nerve damage, often due to aging, loud noise exposure, or certain medications. Unfortunately, this type isn’t typically treatable through medical or surgical means, but many find hearing aids beneficial.

• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss or Idiopathic Sudden Deafness on the other hand, is when you encounter a sudden decrease in hearing, which requires immediate medical attention. The sooner you get treated, the better your chances of improvement.

• Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves can’t properly reach the inner ear, possibly due to earwax blockage, fluid, or infections. Some cases can be reversed, making it important to seek medical advice.

At the moment almost all the research done on hearing loss with HBOT is for Sensorineural hearing loss or Sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Not, for Conductive hearing loss.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Hearing Loss: What current research says

Recent studies have shown that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is an effective treatment for Sensorineural hearing loss.

Again, it’s important to note that the research has almost exclusively focused on Sensorineural hearing loss, leaving Conductive hearing loss largely unexplored in this situation.

The bulk of the evidence comes from tens of small studies that collectively suggest HBOT can truly make a difference.

Some of the most prominent are:

• A 2021 review study published in KESANS: International Journal of Health and Science found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy works better than standard therapy alone for sudden hearing loss.

• A 2022 observational study published in the Journal of Personalized Medicine found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) helped improve hearing in patients with sudden hearing loss, especially for those with severe symptoms. Starting HBO therapy early within 12 days showed the best results.

• Another 2022 non-randomized controlled trial study published in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine found that hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) significantly improved hearing in patients with sudden hearing loss.

• A 2024 scientific report published in Nature, suggests that while hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) alone didn’t show significant hearing improvement for sudden hearing loss, it did help diabetic patients when combined with steroids, especially in severe cases.

• Finally, in a 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, it was found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), when used as part of a combination treatment, significantly improved hearing outcomes in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

These studies have consistently indicated positive outcomes, shining a light on the potential of HBOT in treating Sensorineural hearing loss. While we won’t explore the specifics of recent clinical trials here, it’s worth mentioning that they too provide undeniable proof supporting these findings.

Recent clinical trials

As of now, there haven’t been any clinical trials conducted in 2023 and 2024, but the most recent studies from 2022 shed some light on this matter.

These trials, although limited in number, show promising results.

• One 2022 randomized controlled trial found that combining HBOT with oral steroids could effectively treat sudden sensorineural hearing loss, especially when the treatment is initiated more than 14 days after symptom onset. This suggests that timing plays an important role in the therapy’s success.

• Another trial from the same year reported that HBOT, when used alongside medical therapy, can improve hearing in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. This improvement is thought to be due to increased serum IGF-1 and HSP70 levels, indicating a biological mechanism behind the therapy’s effectiveness.

• Also, a Spanish Clinical trial, again from 2022, highlighted that the addition of Alprostadil to HBOT significantly boosts hearing recovery and reduces blood viscosity in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss. These findings suggest that HBOT, particularly when combined with other treatments, holds potential as a valid approach for treating certain types of hearing loss.

• Finally, a 2022 clinical trial study published in the Journal of Hearing Science, compared treatments for sudden hearing loss. They tested steroids alone versus steroids with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Combining steroids and HBOT showed better hearing improvement, especially in younger patients with severe hearing loss. This suggests adding HBOT to steroid treatment is beneficial for sudden hearing loss.

How does HBOT compare to other treatments for hearing loss?

Comparing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to other hearing loss treatments reveals a range of options, from medication and surgery to innovative procedures like cochlear implants.

Here’s how HBOT stacks up:

HBOT, on the other hand, offers a unique approach by enhancing the body’s natural healing processes through increased oxygen delivery.

This can be particularly beneficial for sensorineural hearing loss, where traditional medications like corticosteroids aim to reduce swelling but might not address the underlying damage to cochlea hair cells.

Unlike surgeries that provide structural corrections or the removal procedures that offer quick fixes to obstructions, HBOT works internally, aiming to rejuvenate damaged cells.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

You’re probably wondering how much hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for hearing loss will cost you and if your insurance will cover it.

Additionally, considering the option of obtaining a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber for home use introduces another layer of cost considerations, that might prove a cheaper solution.

How much it costs?

The cost of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for hearing loss can vary greatly in price. Most scientific research suggests you’ll need between 10 to 20 treatments, each lasting about 90 minutes, depending on the severity of your condition.

On average, a single session can cost between $250 to $450. These figures are based on extensive research we’ve done into what clinics in the US and UK typically charge.

If you calculate using the median price of $350 per session for 15 sessions, the total cost amounts to more than $5,000.

This significant investment underscores the importance of considering all factors before deciding on this treatment option for hearing loss.

Insurance Coverage?

How much of that amount can you insurance cover?

In the US, HBOT for conditions like sudden sensorineural hearing loss generally gets the green light from medical insurance, being FDA approved.

However, in the UK and across Europe, coverage might vary.

It often depends on individual insurance policies and the specific indications laid out by the European Committee of Hyperbaric Medicine.

But, don’t expect insurance to foot the entire bill; they might cover around 50% of the costs, more or less.

To get a clear picture of what you’re up against financially, it’s wise to just call your insurance provider or consult your personal doctor – especially if your country operates under a general health scheme.

Getting a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Chamber

On the other hand you can invest in a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber for home use. Trust me, it is the smartest thing to do.

The market offers a wide variety of models, with prices ranging from $5,000 to $30,000. These costs vary based on the chamber’s capacity, material, brand, and pressure capabilities.

You can easily purchase one online, and the service includes home delivery and setup.

Although second-hand options exist, they’re generally not recommended due to potential risks and reliability concerns.

Despite the steep upfront cost, consider the long-term benefits – both financial and for your health. For a family of three or four using the chamber daily, the investment could pay off in just one month, making it a worthwhile consideration for those seeking relief from hearing loss.

Just think about it.

• A family of 4 X 1 session per day = to 4 sessions per day.
• 4 sessions per day X to just $100 per session = $400 per day.
• $400 per day X to 30 days = $12.000

Also, keep in mind that when you no more want your hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber, for whatever reason, you can sell it as second-hand and make some of your money back.

Just understand that HBOT is not only suitable for hearing loss recovery but for anti-aging, hair growth, erectile dysfunction and a plethora of other research backed benefits.

Real-life stories

Now, let’s turn our attention to the compelling stories of individuals who’ve experienced first-hand the benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for hearing loss.

Marge LaFrance

According to a post on Mayo Clinic Health System website, Marge LaFrance’s journey with hyperbaric oxygen therapy began when she faced sudden hearing loss, finding hope in a treatment that restored her hearing to a great extent.

After experiencing total deafness in both ears, Marge sought help from Mayo Clinic’s ENT specialists, who recommended hyperbaric oxygen therapy—a method where she breathed 100% oxygen at twice the atmospheric pressure in a special chamber.

This treatment, lasting 90 minutes a day for 20 days, not only fights bacteria but also stimulates growth factors and stem cells, aiding in healing.

For Marge, the results were remarkable, with her hearing improving from total deafness to 92%. It’s a demonstration of the therapy’s potential and the importance of seeking early diagnosis and treatment for hearing issues.

Pianist Chris Madden

Reflecting on Marge LaFrance’s success with hyperbaric oxygen therapy opens the door to another inspiring story.

That of pianist Chris Madden, whose career faced a significant threat from sudden hearing loss. Like many, Chris wasn’t aware that addressing hearing loss promptly with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which involves breathing 100% oxygen under pressure, could make a huge difference.

According to North Kansas City Hospital in the US, the therapy’s effectiveness hinges on timing, with the best outcomes seen when treatment starts ideally within a two-week window, and even better within 72 hours of hearing loss onset.

Here’s Chris, story (4-min video)

Chris’s proactive approach in seeking treatment and advocating for his health led to considerable improvement in his hearing, allowing him to return to the world of music with renewed passion and focus.

44-year-old woman (undisclosed name)

A case report published on the European of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, mentions the story of a 44-year-old woman that improved her sudden hearing loss with the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

When she first experienced the symptoms – tinnitus, a feeling of fullness in her ears, and a sudden drop in her ability to hear – she was diagnosed with sudden sensorineural hearing loss, a condition that’s increasingly common among adults her age.

Initially treated with corticosteroids, she saw limited improvement. It wasn’t until she combined this treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

This therapy helped increase the oxygen levels in her inner ear, reducing inflammation and aiding in her recovery.

When to apply for treating your Hearing Loss Problem with HBOT

You should consider applying for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to treat your hearing loss when conventional treatments, such as steroids, haven’t improved your condition.

If you’re dealing with severe hearing loss, it’s wise to talk to a healthcare professional or an otolaryngologist. They can help you figure out if HBOT could be a good fit for you.

The timing for starting HBOT often hinges on how severe your hearing loss is and how well you’ve responded to initial treatments. If steroid therapy hasn’t worked, HBOT might be your next step.

But, before jumping into HBOT, it’s essential to think about any underlying conditions you have, like diabetes or a history of ear infections.

These need to be managed first.

Also, HBOT isn’t for everyone. Some health issues might rule out HBOT for you, so checking in with a healthcare provider is a must.

Finally, ask your insurance if and how much of your HBOT treatment will cover.

Conclusion

To conclude, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) offers a promising alternative for managing specific types of hearing loss, supported by recent clinical trials.

While insurance coverage and costs differ, exploring this possibility could be beneficial.

If you’re facing hearing difficulties, discussing HBOT with a healthcare provider at the appropriate time could potentially improve your quality of life.

Keep in mind, each situation is unique, so individual consultation is essential.

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