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:
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.
Support Groups:
Expectations (prognosis):
Hearing loss may be permanent in the affected ear. Ear protection may prevent the hearing loss from getting worse.
Complications:
Progressive hearing loss is the main complication of acoustic trauma.
Calling your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:
You have symptoms of acoustic trauma
Hearing loss occurs or gets worse
Prevention:
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.
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.
