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Int J Sports Med 2012; 33(01): 31-35
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1283187
Training & Testing
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

ENT Function in a 14-Days Guinness Scuba Dive

L. Revelli
1   Endocrine Surgery Unit, Catholic University of Rome, Italy
,
L. D’Alatri
2   Ear, Nose and Throat Unit, Catholic University of Rome, Italy
,
A. Scorpecci
2   Ear, Nose and Throat Unit, Catholic University of Rome, Italy
,
A. D’Amore
1   Endocrine Surgery Unit, Catholic University of Rome, Italy
,
E. De Corso
2   Ear, Nose and Throat Unit, Catholic University of Rome, Italy
,
C. P. Lombardi
1   Endocrine Surgery Unit, Catholic University of Rome, Italy
,
A. R. Fetoni
2   Ear, Nose and Throat Unit, Catholic University of Rome, Italy
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History



accepted after revision 07 June 2011

Publication Date:
17 November 2011 (online)

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Abstract

Scuba diving is known to affect the rhino-pharyngo-tubaric district (RPT unit). The aim of the study was to document function modifications of the RPT unit in 6 Italian divers (3 men and 3 women) who lived for 14 days consecutively at a depth of 8–10 m, breathing air (21% oxygen) at a pressure ranging between 1.8 and 2 ATA. RPT and inner ear assessment were carried out before the dive (TIME 0) and 24 h (TIME 1) after resurfacing, in order to investigate diving-related RPT and inner ear alterations. Physical examination after resurfacing revealed: fungal external otitis, otoscopic findings consistent with middle ear barotraumas and rhinosinusitis. Rhino­manometry showed a remarkable increase in inspiratory nasal flow and a substantial decrease in nasal resistance. No epithelial cell disruption was retrieved comparing pre and post resurfacing samples. Post-diving tubaric dysfunction was found. Pure tone audiometry revealed a bilateral 40 dB HL hearing loss at 4 kHz in 1 diver. Relevant PTA functions did not seem to be affected by the experiment, no remarkable changes were found at the Sensory Organisation Test and at the Motor Control Test. The 14-day underwater period had a positive effect on nasal flows and resistances.

Key words

hyperbarism - saturation diving - prolonged diving - scuba dive - ENT injury - barotrauma
 

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