What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? A Clear Look at the Science and Approved Uses

They include:

• Air or gas embolism
• Carbon monoxide poisoning (or complicated by cyanide poisoning)
• Clostridial myositis and myonecrosis (gas gangrene)
• Crush injury, compartment syndrome, and other acute traumatic ischemias
• Decompression sickness (“the bends”)
• Enhancing healing in selected problem wounds (such as diabetic foot ulcers and non-healing sores)
• Exceptional blood loss (severe anemia when transfusion is not an option)
• Intracranial abscess
• Necrotizing soft tissue infections (flesh-eating disease)
• Refractory osteomyelitis (chronic bone infection)
• Delayed radiation injury (soft tissue and bone necrosis after cancer treatment)
• Compromised skin grafts and flaps
• Acute thermal burns

Both the FDA and the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) recognize these conditions as ones where HBOT can be a critical part of treatment. The evidence ranges from controlled animal studies to prospective clinical trials, which is why major insurance carriers often cover them.

What About “Off-Label” Uses Like Hearing Loss or Stroke?

You might have heard about HBOT being used for sudden sensorineural hearing loss or retinal artery occlusion. While some international guidelines and specialist societies may recommend it in those situations, the current FDA-cleared list in the U.S. does not specifically name these conditions. If you or a provider wishes to consider HBOT for them, it’s vital to reference the specific clinical guidelines or regional approvals being relied upon, and to clearly distinguish them from the FDA’s 13 core indications.

Similarly, HBOT is not a scientifically proven remedy for cancer, autism, Alzheimer’s, or general anti-aging. The FDA has explicitly warned against centers that promote it for these unproven uses.

The Bottom Line for Treatment

If a doctor recommends HBOT for you, make sure:

• The facility is accredited (the FDA points to UHMS accreditation as a mark of safety and quality).
• The specific diagnosis fits within the evidence-supported list.
• You’re given a clear consent that explains the risk of middle ear discomfort, temporary myopia, or the rare but serious risk of oxygen toxicity, which is why supervision is non-negotiable.

Used correctly for the right condition, HBOT is a remarkably effective tool. But it’s not a “spa treatment” or a cure-all. It’s serious medicine.