What is it about ?
Acute acoustic trauma is an injury to the inner ear caused by exposure to loud noises near the ear (explosion, gunshot, fireworks or extremely loud music). The adjective ‘acute’ means that the damage occurs very suddenly, resulting in total or partial hearing loss or abnormal noise in the ear (buzzing or tinnitus).
The power of sound is expressed in decibels (dB). Above 165 dB, the pressure exerted on the eardrum can be so great that it tears. Sensory cells in the inner ear that pick up sound can be irreparably damaged as a result.
What is its frequency?
Between 2 and 5 in 10 adolescents are exposed to excessive noise levels. Likewise, 1 to 2 in every 100 servicemen find themselves confronted with sudden hearing loss at one time or another. In shooting sports and hunting, it happens accidentally, when a gun is triggered too close to the ear of a person who is not wearing hearing protection.
How to recognize it?
A tear in the eardrum is usually accompanied by sudden pain, possibly associated with a little bleeding from the ear, and immediately followed by hearing loss. But hearing can also decrease (you have the feeling that your ear is blocked) while the eardrum remains intact. You may hear disturbing noises, such as buzzing or hissing (tinnitus).
How is the diagnosis made?
The doctor will first examine the eardrum with an otoscope (an instrument that allows you to see inside the ear). He will also perform tests with a tuning fork.
For a complete hearing test, you will need to have an audiogram. To do this, you will be referred to the otolaryngologist (ENT).
What can you do ?
Protect your ears properly with earplugs or headphones when you are exposed to noise which may be excessive.
If you already have an injury, it is even more important to protect your ears to prevent permanent hearing loss.
After acoustic trauma, avoid exposure to excessive noise and loud sounds. Wear properly inserted headphones or earplugs (custom or not). In case of intense noise exposure, you can combine the two.
For certain jobs involving exposure to noise, hearing protection is mandatory. Your hearing is also checked regularly by the occupational physician.
Do not turn the volume of the radio or television too loud (preferably less than 60 dB). Use headphones instead of earbuds. Never stand near a sound source (for example, a speaker). Take regular periods of rest for your hearing. It is recommended to stop smoking.
What can your doctor do?
Hearing loss and tinnitus are often difficult to treat. Cortisone and / or betahistine tablets can be tried for up to a week, but there is currently no scientific evidence demonstrating their effectiveness. Treatment in a hyperbaric chamber (hyperbaric oxygen therapy) is possible.
At first, partial recovery may be observed, but there is always permanent damage. You may not notice them at first, but they may increase over time. Protection and prevention are therefore essential!
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