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Acoustic Trauma is an injury to the inner ear that can often be caused by exposure to a single, very loud noise (such as a gun shot, or explosion) or long-term exposure to noise at a lower, but still high volume. It can also be caused by a serious head injury if the eardrum is ruptured during the impact or if other injuries to the inner ear happen as a result.

Depending on how the injury was sustained, there are a variety of treatments available, but it should be noted that while hearing loss can be treated, it cannot be cured. You might be prescribed oral steroids to help with acoustic trauma in some cases but it is more likely that your doctor will recommend using earplugs or other kinds of devices to protect your hearing from any further damage.

Who is at risk?

Certain people find themselves at higher risk from acoustic trauma, these can include:

  • Anyone who works where loud equipment operates for long periods of time
  • Anyone who lives or works where high decibel sounds continue for long periods of time
  • People who frequently attend or perform at music concerts or other events with loud noise
  • Anyone who uses guns
  • Anyone who encounters very loud noises without personal protective equipment

Symptoms

The primary symptom of acoustic trauma is hearing loss – in many cases with difficulty hearing high-pitched noises initially, with subsequent difficulty in hearing lower sounds later on. Tinnitus is another very common symptom. It is a type of injury to the ear that causes a ringing or buzzing sound from within the ear itself. Tinnitus can be particularly prevalent when the sufferer is in a quiet or silent environment.

What if I have suffered from acoustic trauma?

If you or someone you love has suffered from acoustic trauma and their hearing has been significantly affected, there is not the most positive outlook. Your doctor may suggest you learn sign language so that you can communicate if your hearing declines further. This makes it even more important for you to contact one of our highly trained solicitors; we have years of experience in dealing with acoustic trauma cases and will swiftly be able to tell you if you are entitled to make a claim. Contact us today so we can help you get the compensation you deserve.