title: Quantitative analysis of inner-ear barotrauma using a Eustachian tube function analyzer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We investigated the relationship between Eustachian tube function and incidence of inner-ear barotrauma (IEBt) in recreational divers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen patients who experienced a scuba diving injury affecting the inner ear and 20 healthy volunteers who had not experienced a diving injury participated. Healthy volunteers and divers with IEBt received impedance tests regularly to assess Eustachian tube function. Test results from these groups were compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant differences between test results of IEBt divers and healthy volunteers. However, seven IEBt divers were judged to have irregular compliance curves on impedance testing. Seven of the 16 IEBt divers experienced vertigo. In nearly all of the IEBt divers with vertigo, hearing loss type was manifested as high-tone deafness, and IEBt symptoms appeared during diving. These symptoms were more serious especially when the diving depth was deeper.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To prevent IEBt in scuba divers, we recommend a thorough Eustachian tube function evaluation. Any dysfunction should be treated before engaging in scuba diving. We need to assess more divers who have experienced IEBt and thoroughly examine how their injury happened.
authors.affiliation: Kitajima ENT Clinic, 1-15-15 Tagara Nerima-ku, Tokyo 179-0073, Japan, nao-ake@bk2.so-net.ne.jp.|Department of Otolaryngology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Naoharu
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kitajima
authors.affiliation: Kitajima ENT Clinic, Tokyo, Japan.|Department of Otolaryngology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan.
authors.forename: Akemi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sugita-Kitajima
authors.affiliation: Kitajima ENT Clinic, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Seiji
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kitajima
mesh_terms: D000158:Acoustic Impedance Tests / Q000295:instrumentation; D000328:Adult; D001469:Barotrauma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004242:Diving / Q000293:injuries*; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000293:injuries*; D005064:Eustachian Tube / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014717:Vertigo / Q000209:etiology
keywords: ENT; equipment; injuries; patient monitoring; scuba diving; vertigo