Why Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treat Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
Aug 20, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Caihong
Introduction
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) demonstrates significant efficacy in treating sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Its mechanisms of action include: rapidly increasing arterial and tissue partial pressure of oxygen and extending the diffusion distance of oxygen within tissues; reducing capillary endothelial permeability; accelerating the repair of hair cells, cochlear structures, and vestibular nerves; inhibiting platelet aggregation; suppressing the release of inflammatory cytokines to control inflammatory responses; modulating systemic immune function; and interrupting metabolic disturbances.
Numerous clinical studies have confirmed that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is highly effective in treating sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), outperforming other treatment modalities. Its therapeutic mechanisms include:
1. HBOT rapidly increases arterial and tissue partial pressure of oxygen and extends the diffusion distance of oxygen within tissues, thereby improving inner ear circulation and correcting tissue hypoxia.
2. It reduces capillary endothelial permeability, thereby alleviating tissue edema.
3. It accelerates the repair of hair cells as well as the cochlear and vestibular nerves, preventing degeneration and necrosis of cochlear sensory structures and hair cells.
4. It inhibits platelet aggregation and increases erythrocyte fragility, thereby reducing blood viscosity and facilitating thrombolysis.
5. It suppresses the release of inflammatory cytokines, thus controlling the inflammatory response.
6. It modulates systemic immune function and interrupts metabolic disturbances.
