Rough Estimates of the Loudness (in dB) in the Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber?

Anyone has any idea how loud (in dB) it could be in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber for 6 people? Rough estimates?

A fan + six guys breating in and out Darth Vader style. Obviously, no earplugs nor safety earmuffs allowed.

Type of chamber: STARMED 2000 (HAUX-life- support, SRN)

 

My estimated guess is . . . not loud enough to cause hearing damage.

There are members who have used earplugs and/or muffs during these treatments. If the sound bothers you, wear ear protection. If wearing ear protection is not possible and you are too anxious about the procedure, then do not do it. I do not think there is a lot of clear, overwhelming data supporting the use of oxygen chambers for treating tinnitus alone.

 

Ok, cool. What about t spikes? Loud enough? The question was in dB (50 - 60 - 70 or more??)

Like I have already mentioned this is NOT possible.

Yet, some countries and publications think there are. Not to mention the members on this forum who have benefited from it by lowering their own tinnitus by 25% or changing its pitch/tone to smth less bothersome.

 

Spikes seem to be very personal. Some members have them to loud sounds, some to quiet sounds, some to high pitch noises and some to low noises. Whether you will have a spike likely depends on you and your tinnitus.

Perhaps check for a facility that will allow ear protection if you are concerned.

Study results vary. There are studies that found no significant improvement and the recommended timeframe is within the first two weeks.

Some research suggests any tinnitus improvement through HBOT is likely due to psychological factors. For that reason, do not go into this anxious that the noise level is going to make your tinnitus worse. For the best chance of success, approach it as if the sound is okay.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0012987/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/17159373/

 

Of course study results vary. Study results will vary on plenty of different things in many different fields. Would you be able to find those studies though you speak of? Cause some of my studies claim the opposite and they come from a literature for ENT physicians (reliable peer reviewed sources). I was for i.e. recommended for HBOT therapy by 2 ENT's from reputable hospitals one of which being the uni teaching hospital and I am a 3rd month in.

This is however off topic.

The original question still remains unanswered. No one willing to guesstimate?

 

Oops, added the links to my original post. I’d forgot to paste them. I saw multiple ear specialists at highly ranked university hospitals, none recommend HBOT based on research and data they had seen or been involved with. Really, it likely depends on individual causes and the timeframe.

I wish you luck! I will say that regardless of the studies, do what you feel will mentally give you the best chance to improve.

 

I took five sessions of HBOT ~2 weeks after my acoustic trauma. The tank/machine seemed quite old, yours look more modern and high-tech. I reckon there is quite a difference between models.

Anyway, as it was quite early after the trauma, I had hyperacusis and some parts of it seemed loud. The main part of sitting there after pressurization and just breathing in through the mask was very quiet, in my opinion. In fact, for some reason my T went away (or prolly quiet) every time as well, so it was closer to silence than outside of the tank... now that was wonderful. I have no idea why that happened temporarily while "under the pressure".

However, when the machine was actively pressurizing/depressurizing it was somewhat noisy. This took about 10-15 minutes, both at the beginning and the end, if I remember correctly, not 100 % sure.. Opening/closing the heavy tank doors made uncomfortable noise as well. Nothing damaging, I would estimate, though.

I didn't use hearing protection for the first and/or second time, but they had earmuffs which I then started to use, as I became worried about the noise. The audiologist said the machine kept at middle 70s (decibels) during active pressurization, but at least at the time it seemed a bit louder. But as said, most of the time spent in the tank was quiet. The 'breathing through the mask' sound was not irritating at all for me. I didn't get any adverse effects on my hearing or tinnitus.