What is Acoustic trauma?

Acoustic trauma is an injury to the inner ear that’s often caused by exposure to a sudden high-decibel noise, such as an explosion or the firing a gun near the ear.

This injury can occur after exposure to a single, very loud noise or from exposure to noises at significant decibels over a longer period of time.

Symptoms include:

  • Partial hearing loss that most often involves repeated long-term exposures to loud or high-pitched sounds. The hearing loss may slowly get worse.
  • Tinnitus is one of the most important symptoms that can signal the onset of acoustic trauma is called. Tinnitus is a type of injury to the ear that causes a buzzing or ringing sound.

Diagnosis of Acute Acoustic Trauma

Acoustic Trauma.Eviasis.ent

Acoustic Trauma

Once you have been exposed to a very loud noise or explosive sound, especially if it is accompanied by a decrease in hearing (deafness) and buzzing (tinnitus), you must immediately contact our specialized ENT audiology unit at EYiasis, so that the symptoms do not become permanent. International guidelines state that early treatment (within 48 hours) is extremely important.

After taking your the history, the  ENT-specialist Neuro-otologist, of EYiasis, will conduct a detailed clinical examination in order to assess the degree and type of hearing loss that has been caused. 

Treatment

Diagnosis: Hearing Exam.ent

Diagnosis: Hearing Exam

Corticosteroid therapy administered orally or intravenously which is often combined with intratympanic administration is the cornerstone of acoustic trauma management. Up to five intratympanic corticosteroid injections spaced 3-5 days apart are usually recommended. 

Early diagnosis and treatment is imperative for the best outcome so book your appointment at EYiasis today and… hear once again

References

  1. Arts HA, Adams ME. Sensorineural hearing loss in adults. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 152.
  2. Crock C, de Alwis N. Ear, nose and throat emergencies. In: Cameron P, Little M, Mitra B, Deasy C, eds. Textbook of Adult Emergency Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 18.1.
  3. Le Prell CG. Noise-induced hearing loss. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 154.