The impact of repetitive hyperbaric exposure during SCUBA diving on cochlear implants

Objectives/Hypothesis

Complications during or after cochlear implantation are relatively rare. They occur more frequently in patients who partake in activities that can potentially lead to local trauma. No formal recommendations exist for participation in self‐contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) activities. We describe three patients with a combined five cochlear implants and extensive diving experience, the largest case series to date, and highlight some of the difficulties faced. We also review the literature on previously described SCUBA‐diving patients with cochlear implants.

Study Design

Retrospective case series and literature review.

Methods

A review of the known SCUBA divers in the National Hearing Implant and Research Centre in Ireland was conducted, and a review of the literature was carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar.

Results

Of the three SCUBA divers with cochlear implants, two required reimplantation, the first due to nonauditory stimulation, and the second due to extrusion of the electrode through the tympanic membrane following repetitive SCUBA dives. The third patient remains without complications after 80 dives.

Conclusions

Patients with cochlear implants can have complications relating to the implant itself, with device failure a theoretical risk. The cochleostomy can lead to perilymphatic extravasation, as well as inner ear barotrauma, decompression sickness, and formation of air bubbles along the electrode. A combination of deafness, vestibulopathy with abrupt perilymph leak, and loss of proprioception can lead to disorientation and blue dome syndrome. Based on our experience with cochlear implants in SCUBA divers, along with those reported in the literature, we recommend caution in patients with cochlear implants who SCUBA dive regularly and strict adherence to the recommended safety limits.

Level of Evidence: 4

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