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How hep/O2 works:
hep/O2 consists of two elements; a silicone ear plug and a porous ceramic pressure regulator (the CeramX filter). The silicone ear plug has four circumferential rings which provide an air-tight seal between the product and the ear canal. The CeramX filter is a controlled-porosity filter; one end of which is exposed to the external chamber pressure, and the opposite is inserted into the ear. As the hyperbaric chamber pressure changes a pressure differential is created across the CeramX filter, thereby causing oxygen to flow through the filter. The filter acts as an impedence to the flow of oxygen into and out of the ear canal.
The Most Often Asked Questions about hep/O2:
Who Should Use hep/O2?
hep/O2 is intended for prophylactic use by people with sensitive ears; cold, allergy or sinus sufferers, or individuals incapable of following instructions. We recommend that children under the age of three not use hep/O2 because a secure fit in the ear canals may not be possible (A pediatric version is available for children ages 3-11, or for patients with small ear canals: PN1016). We do not recommend the use of hep/O2 in the event of severe sinus congestion; e.g. completely blocked Eustachian tubes.
Why are hep/O2 Disposable?
It is recommended that hep/O2 be disposed of after one hyperbaric cycle. As air flows through the microscopic pores of the CeramX flow regulator particles of pollen, soot, airborne bacteria and cerumen become trapped within. As the flow regulator clogs with these atmospheric contaminants the "lag time" becomes progressively longer in a less predictable fashion.
The Benefits of using hep/O2:
Reduction in: Barotrauma, anxiety due to ear pain, Myringotomy, ENT consults, PE tube placement, ear infection, use of antihistamines and decongestants, aborted treatments, cancelled treatments, stops, starts and "lock-ins."
Increase in: Patient comfort, department productivity and Physician reimbursement.
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Why Some People Experience Ear Discomfort:
The ear is a complex sensory system composed of three fundamental components; an outer ear, a middle ear, and the inner ear. The middle ear is a closed cavity beginning behind the ear drum and extending into the temporal bone to the inner ear. This closed cavity has a vent tube called the Eustachian tube (ET). It is analogous to a collapsed section of hose connecting the middle ear to the throat. Normally, the ET opens and relieves pressure across the eardrum whenever one swallows or yawns, occurring naturally and unconsciously approximately every three to five minutes in a health individual. (See illustration below)
During hyperbaric therapy, the patient experiences a rapid change in chamber pressure; more swallowing and/or yawning is required to augment the opening of the Eustachian tubes and alleviate the ear discomfort. A cold, flu, or allergy will cause inflammation, fluid buildup, and swelling in the middle ear and Eustachian tubes. The partially-collapsed Eustachian tubes impede the flow of changing chamber pressure to the middle ear cavity behind the ear drum. Under these conditions, it becomes even more difficult to relieve the pressure buildup; and in some cases, results in extreme pain. The rate of pressure change is too great for the Eustachian tubes. However, the pressure regulating CeramX filter (in the external ear canal) provides an opposing impedence to the rapidly changing chamber pressure. The pressure differential across the ear drum is greatly reduced; discomfort is lessened because both the exterior and interior surfaces of the ear drum undergo a more-nearly equal rate of pressure change.
A typical descent to 2.0 ATA at a rate of 1 psi/min takes about 15 minutes. The CeramX pressure regulator alters the way the patients' middle ear "experiences" the descent; from an abrupt (painful) event over a short period of time to a more gradual increase of pressure, thus enabling the Eustachian tubes to adjust at a more comfortable rate. The accompanying chart illustrates the fact that a 15 minute pressurization cycle to 2.0 ATA is increased to a 30 minute cycle measured at the patient's ear drums. The additional 15 minute time lag provided by hep/O2 allows the Eustachian tubes to function more normally.
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