Effects of blast overpressure on the ear: case reports.
The case histories of five patients who experienced blast overpressure in excess of 200-dB peak pressure level are presented. Despite the significance of the sound pressure levels received in a military training accident and the severe injuries that resulted from the blast, these individuals experienced substantial improvement of hearing 1 year later. Undoubtedly, successful surgical intervention and medical management were the primary contributors to the restoration of hearing. Audiometric data are presented documenting hearing status within 2 to 3 weeks postinjury and following final surgical remediation of the resulting middle ear damage. A review of these cases offers insight into the possible prognosis of patients with similar injuries.
Chandler
D W
DW
U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine-Europe, Landstuhl, Germany.
Edmond
C V
CV
D000328:Adult; D001753:Blast Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D006312:Hearing Loss, Bilateral / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D006314:Hearing Loss, Conductive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D018058:Tympanic Membrane Perforation / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery