Acoustic trauma is injury to the hearing mechanisms in the inner ear due to very loud noise.
Injury - inner ear; Trauma - inner ear; Ear injury
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)
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.
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.
Hearing loss may be permanent in the affected ear. Ear protection may prevent the hearing loss from getting worse.
Progressive hearing loss is the main complication of acoustic trauma.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:
- You have symptoms of acoustic trauma
- Hearing loss occurs or gets worse
Review Date:
10/10/2008
Reviewed 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 medical professional 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. © 1997-
A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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