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Semin Hear 2009; 30(1): 005-027
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1111103
Published in 2009 by Thieme Medical Publishers

Hearing Impairment and Traumatic Brain Injury among Soldiers: Special Considerations for the Audiologist

Paula J. Myers1 , Debra J. Wilmington2 , 3 , Frederick J. Gallun2 , 3 , James A. Henry2 , 3 , Stephen A. Fausti2
  • 1James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital/Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center, Tampa, Florida
  • 2VA RR&D National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (NCRAR), Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, Oregon
  • 3Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
29 April 2009 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The increased use of explosive devices and mines in warfare and excessive noise of weapons has created an unprecedented amount of auditory dysfunction among soldiers. Blast-related injuries may damage the auditory processing and/or balance centers resulting in hearing loss, dizziness, tinnitus, and/or central auditory processing disorders. Some also lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI), postconcussive syndrome (PCS), and/or posttraumatic stress disorder. Some PCS symptoms such as dizziness, loss of balance, hearing difficulty, and noise sensitivity also can signify auditory or vestibular dysfunction and should not be obscured with the PCS package. This article provides information about the mechanisms of blast injury with emphasis on auditory dysfunction and TBI. Audiologists must be prepared to identify those at risk for TBI or mental health problems and adapt audiologic clinical practices to this population. An interdisciplinary comprehensive evaluation of peripheral, central, and vestibular components of the auditory system should be employed in patients with TBI to ensure that auditory dysfunction is accurately diagnosed and that appropriate rehabilitation can be performed.

KEYWORDS

Traumatic brain injury - auditory dysfunction - vestibular dysfunction - tinnitus - central auditory processing disorders - polytrauma

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0 The GSC is a neurological scale (scored between 3, indicating deep unconsciousness, to 15, indicating very minor injury) to record the conscious state of a person for initial as well as continuing assessment.

Paula J MyersPh.D. 

James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital/Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center

13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612

Email: paula.myers@va.gov

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