[Prevention and management of acoustic traumas].
Exposure to intense noises during a short time can be responsible for permanent damage of the inner ear, even after an isolated exposure. Amplified music (discos, concert rooms) is the first cause of acute acoustic traumas among the young people. Acute acoustic traumas need urgent management and treatment. Exposure to high noise levels during a long time can lead to a progressive and insidious impairment of the inner ear, the hearing loss appearing obvious only after several months or years. Noise-induced hearing loss is irreversible. The functional consequences of acoustic traumas can be socially disabling and can have an important psychological impact. The prevention is based on the information of the patients, notably of the youngest ones, and on the wearing of hearing protectors at the time of risky situations.
Nottet
Jean-Bertrand
JB
Service ORL et chirurgie cervico-faciale, HIA Desgenettes, 69275 Lyon Cedex. jean-bertrand.nottet@wanadoo.fr
Truy
Eric
E
D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans