Diving-related otological injuries: Initial assessment and management.

Aust J Gen Pract

MBBS, FRACS (Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery), Visiting Medical Officer, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Cairns Hospital, Qld.

Published: August 2020

Background: Scuba diving-related otological injuries comprise the majority of diving-related incidents that present to general practitioners (GPs). Correct diagnosis and management are key to prevent permanent hearing loss and vertigo.

Objective: The aim of this article is to increase awareness of the pathophysiology of otological diving injuries and provide an approach to initial assessment and treatment, as well as to highlight particular circumstances in which onward referral is required.

Discussion: Accurate diagnosis and treatment of diving-related otological injuries by GPs can have profound positive effects on a patient's long-term outcomes. Complete otolaryngological assessment in those who have previously had a dive-related injury is critical to ensure patient safety prior to recommencing scuba diving.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.31128/AJGP-01-20-5191DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

diving-related otological
12
otological injuries
12
initial assessment
8
diving-related
4
injuries
4
injuries initial
4
assessment management
4
management background
4
background scuba
4
scuba diving-related
4

Similar Publications

Diving-related otological injuries: Initial assessment and management.

Aust J Gen Pract

August 2020

MBBS, FRACS (Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery), Visiting Medical Officer, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Cairns Hospital, Qld.

Background: Scuba diving-related otological injuries comprise the majority of diving-related incidents that present to general practitioners (GPs). Correct diagnosis and management are key to prevent permanent hearing loss and vertigo.

Objective: The aim of this article is to increase awareness of the pathophysiology of otological diving injuries and provide an approach to initial assessment and treatment, as well as to highlight particular circumstances in which onward referral is required.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Scuba diving and otology: a systematic review with recommendations on diagnosis, treatment and post-operative care.

Diving Hyperb Med

June 2017

Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Scuba diving is a popular recreational and professional activity with inherent risks. Complications related to barotrauma and decompression illness can pose significant morbidity to a diver's hearing and balance systems. The majority of dive-related injuries affect the head and neck, particularly the outer, middle and inner ear.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Ear disorders in scuba divers.

Int J Occup Environ Med

January 2011

Academy of Medical Sciences of the IR Iran, Tehran, Iran.

History of underwater diving dates back to antiquity. Breath-hold technique in diving was known to the ancient nations. However, deep diving progressed only in the early decades of the 19th century as the result of advancements in efficient underwater technologies which subsequently led to invention of sophisticated sets of scuba diving in the 20th century.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Recreational self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) diving continues to grow in popularity. Medical requirements to be 'fit to dive' vary throughout the world, from self-certification to a full medical examination prior to training. This review discusses the relative merits of the most commonly used guidelines for recreational SCUBA diving, with reference to common diving-related otorhinolaryngological conditions.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Diving after stapedectomy: clinical experience and recommendations.

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg

October 2001

Clinical Studies Department, House Ear Clinic and Institute, 2100 West Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057, USA.

Objectives: Much controversy exists concerning the risk of inner ear barotrauma after stapes surgery in scuba and sky divers. Uniform consensus has not been established regarding poststapedectomy barorestrictions. The purpose of this study was (1) to determine the prevalence of adverse auditory and/or vestibular sequelae in patients after stapedectomy related to scuba and sky diving, and (2) to offer recommendations on barometric exposure after stapes surgery.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!