[Blast and explosion traumas-effects on the middle and inner ear based on the example of Bundeswehr foreign missions]

HNO. 2023 Jan;71(1):48-56. doi: 10.1007/s00106-022-01248-9. Epub 2022 Nov 29.
[Article in German]

Abstract
in English, German

Despite all protective measures, blast and explosion traumas are a frequent pattern of injury in Bundeswehr missions abroad. Due to body protection measures, head injuries, particularly of the ears, are higher in number compared to injuries in other regions of the body. Perforations of the tympanic membrane are the most frequent lesions of the middle ear, acute sensorineural hearing loss is the most frequent lesion of the inner ear, often accompanied by tinnitus and dizziness. With a high spontaneous recovery rate, prompt specialist care for these injuries is provided according to medical standards comparable to those in the home country.

Knall- und Explosionstraumata stellen in den Auslandseinsätzen der Bundeswehr trotz aller Schutzmaßnahmen eine häufige Verletzungsform dar. Bedingt durch Körperschutzmaßnahmen treten Kopfverletzungen, insbesondere der Ohren, im Vergleich zu anderen Körperregionen zahlreicher auf. Trommelfellperforationen sind die häufigsten Läsionen des Mittelohrs, akute sensorineurale Hörverluste stellen die häufigsten Läsionen des Innenohrs dar, häufig begleitet von Tinnitus und Benommenheit. Bei hoher Spontanheilungsrate erfolgt eine zügige fachärztliche Versorgung dieser Verletzungen nach Standards wie im Heimatland.

Keywords: Conductive hearing loss; Explosions; Sensorineural hearing loss; Tympanic membrane perforation; War-related injuries.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blast Injuries* / complications
  • Blast Injuries* / diagnosis
  • Blast Injuries* / therapy
  • Ear, Inner*
  • Ear, Middle
  • Explosions
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural*
  • Humans
  • Tympanic Membrane Perforation* / diagnosis
  • Tympanic Membrane Perforation* / etiology
  • Tympanic Membrane Perforation* / therapy