Blast-Induced Hearing Loss / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

Blast injuries are increasing worldwide from combat and explosions in heavy industry. Primary blast injury is direct injury due to the high pressure effects and pressure differentials of the blast wave itself. Alternating overpressure and underpressure imposed upon tissues of heterogenous densities, particularly air-filled organs. The ear is the first affected organ to primary blast injury because it is the body's most sensitive pressure transducer. Otologic blast injury and tympanic membrane perforation have traditionally been used as a predictor, or biomarker, of occult serious primary blast injury. Hearing loss and tinnitus are the most common ear symptoms. This review details the otologic consequences of blast exposure.