MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Acoustic trauma

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Acoustic trauma

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition Causes Symptoms Exams and Tests	Treatment Outlook (Prognosis) Possible Complications When to Contact a Medical Professional Prevention

Illustrations

Sound wave transmission

Alternative Names Return to top

Injury - inner ear; Trauma - inner ear; Ear injury

Definition Return to top

Acoustic trauma is injury to the hearing mechanisms in the inner ear due to very loud noise.

Causes Return to top

Acoustic trauma is a common cause of sensory hearing loss. Damage to the hearing mechanisms within the inner ear may be caused by:

An explosion near the ear
Gunshots
Long-term exposure to loud noises (such as loud music or machinery)

Symptoms Return to top

Hearing loss
- Usually partial and involving high-pitched sounds
- May slowly get worse
Noises, ringing in the ear (tinnitus)

Exams and Tests Return to top

The health care provider will usually suspect acoustic trauma if hearing loss occurs after noise exposure. Audiometry may determine how much hearing has been lost.

Treatment Return to top

The hearing loss may not be treatable. The goal of treatment is to protect the ear from further damage.

A hearing aid may help you communicate. You can learn coping skills, such as lip reading.

Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top

Hearing loss may be permanent in the affected ear. Ear protection may prevent the hearing loss from getting worse.

Possible Complications Return to top

Progressive hearing loss is the main complication of acoustic trauma.

When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

You have symptoms of acoustic trauma
Hearing loss occurs or gets worse

Prevention Return to top

Wear protective ear plugs or earmuffs to protect against damage from loud equipment.
Be aware of risks connected with activities such as shooting guns, using chain saws, or driving motorcycles or snowmobiles.
Do not listen to loud music for long periods of time.

Update Date: 10/10/2008

Updated by: Alan Lipkin, MD, Otolaryngologist, Private Practice, Denver, Colorado. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.