Hyperbaric compression in the guinea pig with perilymph fistula.

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.