Delayed endolymphatic hydrops syndrome after heavy exposure to impulse noise.
This study reports otoneurologic findings in 18 senior army officers with noise-induced hearing loss, balance disturbance, and history of long exposure to impulse noise from firearms. Most of the patients had symptoms resembling those of Meniere's disease. The risk of Meniere-type symptoms appears to be significantly higher among impulse-noise-exposed professional soldiers than in the normal population. The possibility of endolymphatic hydrops as the underlying pathophysiologic mechanism is discussed in light of recent observations.
Ylikoski
J
J
Department of Otolaryngology, Central Military Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
D000328:Adult; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D004710:Endolymph; D005387:Finland; D005389:Firearms; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008575:Meniere Disease / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014717:Vertigo / Q000209:etiology