Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Without Ear Pain: Cost, Mechanism, and Benefits

Learn how hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) works, what it costs, and how Noonopi Plastic Surgery offers pain-free HBOT. From diabetic foot wounds to post-op healing and facials.

What is HBOT? 

Oxygen therapy involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber. By increasing the oxygen concentration in the bloodstream, HBOT promotes tissue regeneration, reduces inflammation, and supports healing for a wide range of medical and cosmetic conditions.

It is commonly used in hospitals and specialized clinics to treat conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers, carbon monoxide poisoning, and soft tissue injuries. Today, HBOT is also gaining popularity for its aesthetic benefits, including skin rejuvenation and recovery support after cosmetic surgery. 

Two Core Mechanisms of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Gas Bubble Resolution (Boyle’s Law)

As external pressure increases, the volume of gas bubbles in the body decreases, following Boyle’s Law. This principle allows HBOT to treat conditions like decompression sickness or air embolisms by compressing gas bubbles and accelerating their absorption into the bloodstream.

• Example: Scuba divers suffering from decompression illness benefit from rapid decompression through a hyperbaric chamber, a technology used worldwide.

Increased Tissue Oxygen Tension

Breathing pure oxygen under pressure significantly raises the partial pressure of oxygen in tissues. This stimulates the release of growth factors and supports angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), critical for wound healing in ischemic or infected areas.

• Example:  HBOT for  diabetic foot wounds has shown remarkable results in preventing amputations and speeding up recovery.

Why Do Ears Hurt During Oxygen Chamber Therapy?

During HBOT, the chamber’s internal pressure rises steadily. If your eustachian tubes are not functioning properly, pressure in the middle ear cannot equalize with the external environment, leading to retraction of the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and resulting in ear discomfort or pain. This is the most commonly reported hyperbaric oxygen therapy side effect and often discourages first-time patients.

How Noonopi’s Hyperbaric Chamber Reduces Ear Pain

At Noonopi Plastic Surgery in Seoul, we offer a hyperbaric oxygen treatment machine equipped with real-time pressure sensors. This smart system gradually adjusts pressure, allowing patients to adapt slowly without discomfort.

• Automatic pressure adjustment
• Pause function when eustachian tubes fail to equalize
• In-chamber ear equalization training guidance

Thanks to this advanced technology, patients can receive the benefits of HBOT comfortably—even those with sensitive ears or sinus issues.

Common Uses of HBOT

Here are common clinical and cosmetic indications for HBOT:

• Chronic non-healing wounds (e.g., diabetic ulcers)
• Radiation-damaged tissues
• Facial skin recovery after laser or surgery
• Reduce swelling after plastic surgery
• Treatment for skin necrosis after rhinoplasty
• 🎥 Blindness after Rejuran or any filler accident 

How Much Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Cost?

The answer depends on the clinic, duration, and purpose of treatment.

• In Korea: Sessions typically cost $80–$250 per hour

If you are interested in pricing? 🔗Ask us for a consultation at Noonopi, the nearest hyperbaric chamber to you in Gangnam.

This blog post is for educational purposes only.
All treatments carry individual risks and individual results may vary.
Please consult with a certified professional.