Hyperbaric Compression in the Guinea Pig with Perilymph Fistula

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The study goal was to evaluate the effects of hyperbaric therapy on the auditory and vestibular function of guinea pigs compromised by perilymph fistula (PLF).

METHODS: Twenty-four pigmented guinea pigs underwent induction of bilateral eustachian tube dysfunction before the creation of a unilateral PLF. Half of the animals were randomly assigned to receive immediate hyperbaric compression treatment of 4 “dives” each. Hearing was tested electrocochleographically, and signs of vestibulopathy were recorded before and after compression.

RESULTS: After accounting for the effects of PLF, compression was not associated with significant hearing loss (P = 0.5411). Vestibulopathy was seen only in ears with PLF, and its incidence was similar for compression and noncompression groups.

CONCLUSION: Hyperbaric compression does not compromise auditory or vestibular function in guinea pig ears with experimental PLF.

SIGNIFICANCE: Our observations support the relative safety of recompression in patients with PLF.

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