Otologic effects of environmental conditions at high-altitude

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the otologic effects of high-altitude environmental conditions.Materials and Methods: Study was performed at altitude of 2200 m. Medical records between August 2007 and March 2009 were investigated retrospectively. Previously healthy patients with no history of otological and infectious diseases, no medication, no trauma, no evidience of radiological and laboratory pathology were included this study. Results: 41 patients with otologic complaints were concordant with inclusion criterias. The most common otologic complaints were sudden onset tinnitus (n:15) and ear fullness (n:11). The other otologic problems were vestibular disorders (n:7), otalgia (n:7) and sudden hearing loss (n:1). Except the sudden hearing loss, tinnitus and vestibular disorders were resolved after descending to low altitude without any medication. Sudden hearing loss was restored after hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Otalgia and ear fullness were recovered spontaneously within 10 days.Conclusions: High-altitude conditions are one of the causes of otologic disorders. The exact pathogenesis of the otologic problems is not known. We think that not only hypoxia, but also other factors are necessary to give rise to otologic disorders. Immediate descent is the treatment of choice. Physicians and high-altitude travelers must be aware of these entities.