Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
What is acoustic trauma?
Acoustic trauma is an injury to the ear resulting in hearing loss due to a sudden, loud noise.
Acoustic trauma can be brief and hearing loss can be reversible. Oral steroids can be administered to hasten recovery. However, if the noise is loud enough and the duration of exposure is long, permanent hearing loss can occur.
Common Causes of Acoustic Trauma
Common causes of hearing loss due to acoustic trauma are:
- Explosions near the ear such as the sudden deployment of an airbag during a car accident
- Gunshots
- Extended exposure to loud noise (e.g. music)
How to Prevent Acoustic Trauma?
Prevent acoustic trauma by:
- Wearing protective ear plugs or ear muffs to protect against loud noises, when necessary
- Avoiding loud music for extended periods of time
- Using caution around guns, chain saws and other loud equipment. Be cognizant of the noise level when driving motorcycles and snowmobiles.
If you have been exposed to a sudden, loud noise, and experience loss of hearing or ringing in the ear which does not go away, contact a medical professional.
FREE Legal Consultation
If your ear injury was caused by another party’s negligence, including the manufacturer of a defective product, contact an experienced personal injury attorney today.
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