Noise: Acoustic Trauma and Tinnitus, the US Military Experience

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2020 Aug;53(4):543-553. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2020.03.004. Epub 2020 Apr 23.

Abstract

Tinnitus is commonly experienced by military Service Members and Veterans, especially by the newest generation who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. When patients seek health care for tinnitus, it is important to determine its type, check for comorbid conditions that might be triggering or exacerbating the condition, and to address its functional and psychosocial effects. Otolaryngologists are usually the first health care professional to evaluate a patient with tinnitus, and it is essential to provide appropriate referrals for this high-burden condition. Noise-induced tinnitus is multifaceted; by performing a thorough assessment, appropriate action can be taken to best meet the needs of patients.

Keywords: Hearing disorders; Hyperacusis; Noise; Ototoxicity; Tinnitus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Afghan Campaign 2001-
  • Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / epidemiology*
  • Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Hyperacusis
  • Iraq War, 2003-2011
  • Military Personnel / statistics & numerical data*
  • Noise / adverse effects*
  • Ototoxicity
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Quality of Life
  • Risk Factors
  • Tinnitus / epidemiology*
  • Tinnitus / etiology
  • United States / epidemiology