Experts warn that loud noise resulting from violent explosions due to reasons such as terror attacks or accidents can lead to hearing loss, and that exposure to sudden, short-duration, and high-intensity noise can cause damage to the inner and middle ear structures. Experts noted that after inner ear damage, hearing loss can become permanent, and complaints such as tinnitus and intolerance to certain sounds may be observed.
Sudden and intense sound leads to hearing loss!
Lecturer Gökçe Gültekin from Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Audiology, warned about measures to be taken, stating that exposure to loud noise can lead to hearing-related problems.
Hearing loss can become permanent
Audiologist Gökçe Gültekin stated that damage can occur in the inner and middle ear structures after exposure to sudden, short-duration, and high-intensity noise, and warned, “This condition, which we call acoustic trauma, usually develops due to firearm use without hearing protection or explosions occurring near the ear. After inner ear damage, hearing loss can become permanent; complaints such as tinnitus and intolerance to certain sounds may be observed.”
The eardrum can rupture
Audiologist Gökçe Gültekin noted that in some cases, exposure to very severe sudden explosions can lead to physical damage, stating, “The eardrum can rupture and the ossicles located in the middle ear can be damaged.”
An ENT specialist should be consulted
Audiologist Gökçe Gültekin reminded that even if one is not exposed to high-intensity noise for long periods, it is essential to first consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, and then visit an audiology clinic for examinations to determine how hearing has been affected.
The progression of hearing loss can be stopped
Audiologist Gökçe Gültekin stated, “If hearing loss caused by acoustic trauma has become permanent after inner ear damage, it cannot be reversed, but with individually tailored treatment plans, the progression of the loss and other effects can be stopped, and measures can be taken to protect hearing.”
Consultation should be sought without delay
Gültekin stated that in situations with intense sound levels, such as explosions, the extent of the impact can vary individually, adding, “The time elapsed between noise exposure and seeking clinical consultation is extremely important. The shorter this period, the stronger the possibility of alleviating hearing-related symptoms through individually decided treatment protocols. Therefore, the first measure to be taken is to visit a clinic as early as possible, preferably within the first 48 hours.”
Hearing protection can be used
Audiologist Gökçe Gültekin also stated that long-term noise exposure is known to have non-auditory side effects that affect human health, saying, “Examples include decreased attention span and sleep quality, reduced productivity at work, and changes in blood pressure. For this reason, taking precautions with hearing protectors becomes very important, especially for individuals who have to work with background noise for long periods in workplaces and cannot move away from the noise source.”