Noise Induced Hearing Loss and Its Prevention (cont.)
Medical Author:
James K. Bredenkamp, MD, FACS
James K. Bredenkamp, MD, FACSDr. Bredenkamp recieved his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine. He then went on to serve a six year residency at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine in the department of Surgery. Medical Author:
Frederick B Gaupp, MD
Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MDMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. In this Article
 What are acoustic trauma and noise-induced hearing loss?Acoustic trauma occurs when any excessive sound energy strikes the inner ear. If it is brief, the noise may cause a reversible, temporary hearing loss, technically known as a temporary threshold shift. For example, after a loud rock concert, it is common to experience hearing dullness and ringing in the ears for several hours. In this situation, if symptoms persist beyond several days, oral steroids (cortisone-type medications) may help the inner ear to recover. If the noise is loud enough and the duration of exposure long enough, however, it may cause a permanent threshold shift. This condition is called noise-induced hearing loss, which has no cure and is irreversible. Sudden hearing loss produced by a sudden and very loud noise (blast injury) is called acute acoustic trauma. If the sound is loud enough, it can cause the eardrum to rupture or the person to have a complete loss of hearing. Sometimes, particularly if the sudden loss is total and occurs combined with dizziness, immediate surgical exploration of the ear may be necessary. In this circumstance, the ear surgeon may need to locate and patch a hole (perilymphatic fistula) between the inner ear fluid space and the middle ear space. Picture of the Inner Ear Structure 
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Noise Induced Hearing Loss - Identifying Symptoms
Question: Describe your symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss, or those in a friend or relative.
Noise Induced Hearing Loss - On the Job
Question: Do you wear a hearing protection device for your job? Does it help? Please share your experience.
Noise Induced Hearing Loss - Treatment
Question: What treatment have you, a friend, or family member received for noise-induced hearing loss?
Noise Induced Hearing Loss - Communication
Question: If you wear hearing protectors, do you find it hard to communicate with others? Please share your experience.
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