Easing the squeeze: new study aims to reduce ear pain in oxygen chambers
NCT ID NCT04804098
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tested whether changing how fast pressure increases during hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can lower the chance of ear pain and injury. Over 1,500 people receiving HBOT were randomly assigned to one of two compression schedules. The goal was to see if a non-linear (slower at first) pressure increase causes fewer treatment interruptions and less ear damage than a steady, linear increase.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Compression schedule (linear vs. non-linear rate of pressure increase)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to a more comfortable hyperbaric oxygen treatment with fewer ear-related side effects.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed study, but the intervention only changes the compression rate, not the underlying therapy. Results may not apply to all patients or settings.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Phelps Hospital Northwell Health
Sleepy Hollow, New York, 10591, United States
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