Tinnitus and hyperbaric oxygen
Name of treatment |
Hyperbaric oxygen |
Type of treatment | Physical intervention |
Claims for treatment |
The increased supply of oxygen to the ear and brain reduces the severity of hearing loss and tinnitus. |
How treatment is delivered |
The person sits in a small airtight chamber, and air pressure is increased to three times higher than normal pressure for 60-120 minutes. Typical courses involve 20-40 sessions. |
Potential negative consequences |
Associated with some risk, including damage to ears, sinuses and lungs from the effects of pressure, temporary worsening of short-sightedness, claustrophobia and oxygen poisoning.[1] |
Evidence offered: |
|
Papers available | <10 (as in Cochrane review)[1] |
Conclusions drawn | The significance of any improvement in tinnitus could not be assessed. There were no significant improvements in chronic tinnitus (tinnitus experienced for over six months) [1] |
Quality of evidence [2] |
A |
Does the BTA recommend this treatment? | No |
BTA opinion on this treatment | This therapy does not benefit patients with chronic tinnitus. There is no evidence to show whether this therapy benefits newly diagnosed patients. |
Would the BTA support further studies into this treatment? | Unlikely unless a high quality, large scale study |
Verdict: Safety. Is this treatment harmful? |
Evidence of harm |
Verdict: Efficacy. Does this treatment work? |
Evidence that is has NO effect |
For further information
The BTA Tinnitus Support Team can answer your questions on any tinnitus related topics:
Telephone: 0800 018 0527
Web chat: – click on the icon
Email: [email protected]
Text/SMS: 07537 416841
We also offer a free tinnitus e-learning programme, Take on Tinnitus.
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References
[1] Bennett MH, Kertesz T, Perleth M, Yeung P, Lehm JP.Hyperbaric oxygen for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2012, Issue 10. Art. No.: CD004739. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004739.pub410.1002/14651858.CD003852.pub3
[2] A = Systematic review/meta-analysis. B = Randomised control studies. C = Cohort studies. D = Case-control studies. E = case studies/reports. +/- to be used to indicate quality within bands
Author: Nic Wray
Version 2.0
Updated: 28 June 2022
To be reviewed: June 2025
Photo: Mckeeman at English Wikipedia [CC BY 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)]