Once you are in the chamber and the door is closed, you will hear the oxygen begin to circulate, and we will start the gradual increase in pressure. This is called compression. There may be some warmth that you notice, but this is temporary. A nurse/technician will remain with you during the treatment, to adjust the rate of compression according to your tolerance and to coach you on how to relieve the “full” sensation, which you may feel in your ears. This feeling is similar to what you may have felt while traveling down a mountain, flying or sky diving. We will coach you on how to clear your ears.
When you have reached the prescribed pressure the fullness in your ears will cease, and you may rest or sleep during the remainder of the treatment. You may also watch TV or a DVD movie during this time, which will be about 1.5 to 2 hours. The temperature in the chamber is similar to room temperature, but may be adjusted slightly.
Near the end of your treatment the nurse/technician will gradually decrease the pressure that was added at the beginning. This is called the decompression phase. During decompression, you experience a “popping” sensation in your ears as a result of the changing pressure. This popping is a normal adjustment in your ears, similar to what happens when you are driving up a mountain.
Click here to read a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Success Story
It was a very emotional discharge. The nurses and I hugged and cried when I left. I hate goodbyes.
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