Middle Ear Barotrauma in Hyperbaric Chamber Inside Attendants

Background/Aims: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) facilities and their use in various medical fields are increasing. Hyperbaric chamber inside attendants (HCIAs) are exposed to several occupational hazards, of which middle ear barotrauma (MEB) is the most common. This study aimed to prospectively investigate MEB incidence and severity in hyperbaric chamber inside attendants. Methods: The HCIAs underwent an otoscopic examination by an otolaryngologist before and after the HBOT session, and their demographic characteristics, medical history, and otological symptoms were recorded. The appearance of the tympanic membrane in those who develop MEB is graded according to the Teed classification system. The data collected in the study were analyzed using statistical software. Results: The research involved 56 HCIAs who underwent otoscopic examinations before and after HBOT sessions. The study revealed that 21.5% of the participants experienced MEB, with no significant correlations between MEB and demographic variables. According to the data, 25% of HCIAs who experienced MEB reported no pain. Conclusions: No evidence in the literature suggests that MEB causes permanent damage to HCIAs. However, MEB in HCIAs may be more prevalent than previously thought. This study indicates that many MEB cases may be missed if HCIAs are not thoroughly screened and assessed. While MEB may not have a clinical impact, it is important to understand the risk of occupational MEB that HCIAs may be exposed to.