Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Safety & Ear Care Guidelines

At Chamblee Hyperbarics & Performance Institute, patient safety is our top priority. To ensure a secure and effective hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) experience, we ask all patients to follow the safety protocols outlined below.

​

Chamber Safety Protocols

Hyperbaric chambers are pressurized with 100% oxygen, which creates an environment that requires strict safety precautions. To minimize the risk of fire or injury, no personal items are allowed inside the chamber. This includes (but is not limited to):

• Lighters, matches, or any heat-producing or spark-generating devices

• Electronics and battery-powered devices (phones, tablets, laptops, earbuds, hearing aids, etc.)

• Flammable products such as petroleum jelly, ointments, oils, or hand warmers

• Synthetic fabrics, wigs, hairpieces, nylons, and jewelry

• Cosmetics, lip balm, makeup, hair spray, hair oils, or styling products

• Nail polish applied within 12 hours prior to treatment

• Lotions, creams, oils, and deodorant within 12 hours of your session

• Paper products such as books, magazines, or notebooks

Clothing Requirements:
Patients must wear only the 100% cotton hospital gown provided by our staff — no undergarments, socks, or additional layers are permitted. We also supply clean, cotton linens for your comfort and safety.

​

Eyeglasses:
Please avoid wearing glasses into the chamber unless approved by staff. If necessary, we will assess your glasses to ensure they do not contain titanium or other restricted materials.

​

Ear Pressure Management During HBOT

One of the most common side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is discomfort in the ears due to pressure changes. As pressure increases during your session, the air in your middle ear compresses, which can cause your eardrum to stretch. If not addressed promptly, this can result in pain, muffled hearing, or, in rare cases, injury.

The key to preventing discomfort is properly equalizing the pressure in your ears through techniques that open the Eustachian tubes.

​

Tips to Clear Your Ears:

• Swallow frequently: Sipping water can help trigger swallowing.

• Yawn deliberately: A deep yawn often opens the Eustachian tubes naturally.

• Pinch and swallow: Pinch your nose closed and try swallowing while holding your nose.

• Valsalva maneuver: Pinch your nose, close your mouth, and gently blow through your nose.

• Jaw movement: Move your jaw side to side or forward and backward.

• Head tilt: Turn your head fully to the side and try yawning or swallowing.

If you begin to feel pressure or fullness in your ears, start using these techniques immediately. Early and frequent clearing is the best prevention.

​

Having trouble? Notify our staff right away. We can pause pressurization to give you more time and help guide you through different clearing methods. If you continue to have difficulty, we may recommend that you consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist to assess whether ear tubes may be beneficial.