What Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Actually Does — and Who It's Really For
With Dr. Dan Todd and the team at Midwest Hyperbarics — Sioux Falls, SD
"Long story short, when I went back for my hearing test, I'd gone from 3% to 95% in my hearing coming back. It was like a miracle to me."
"They wanted to amputate my foot and part of my leg. Thank goodness for Midwest Hyperbarics — I was able to save my foot, save my leg."
"Little by little there was the progression — I was happy to wake up in the morning. Staying sober wasn't a chore. There was joy again in my life."
"Out of everything I've done, hyperbaric was the one thing where I can bring the pain level down to zero. Try this before you go to things you can't undo later."
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
HBOT involves breathing inside a pressurized chamber — typically at 2–3 atmospheres. That pressure drives high concentrations of oxygen into your bloodstream, tissues, and organs. The pressure itself is the key mechanism, not just the oxygen concentration.
What conditions does HBOT treat?
Midwest Hyperbarics treats wound healing (including diabetic foot wounds), TBI, post-stroke recovery, sudden hearing loss, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, herniated discs, addiction recovery, and general wellness optimization.
Is HBOT safe?
In a properly run clinical setting, very safe. Midwest Hyperbarics uses multi-place chambers pressurized with room air, keeping oxygen levels below 23.5% — which virtually eliminates fire risk. Patients remove all metal, wear only cotton, and avoid oils.
What's the difference between a soft chamber and a hard chamber?
Hard chambers reach 2–3 atmospheres — appropriate for serious medical conditions. Soft chambers max at about 1.3–1.5 atmospheres. For wound healing, TBI, and sudden hearing loss, a hard chamber is significantly more effective.
What does a session feel like?
Patients consistently describe it as extremely relaxing. You lie down, get blankets, and can watch TV. The main sensation is ear pressure as you "descend" — similar to landing on a plane. Many patients fall asleep.