What Is Acoustic Shock and Does It Cause Tinnitus?

If you're suddenly exposed to an unexpected loud sound, you may experience acoustic shock disorder. It's an involuntary trauma response to a sudden noise that startles you.

Examples of acoustic trauma include loud explosions nearby, such as firing a gun next to you. But the loud sound can also be caused by feedback oscillation (which causes loud screeching noises) and even signal tones on telephones. In fact, telemarketers and call center employees are thought to be most at risk of acoustic trauma.

Symptoms of acoustic shock include:

- The startle reaction itself, which takes place when the sudden noise occurs.

- Your ears feel full or you have pain in one or both ears.

- You experience hearing loss.

- You experience tinnitus.

- You become hyper-sensitive to sounds (and fear them).

- You get headaches or mild vertigo and nausea.

You can treat acute acoustic trauma with steroid therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Some antioxidants have also been found to be effective as well.

Most of the symptoms are temporary and only last as long as 24 hours. However, some of the symptoms (like tinnitus) can take a week or two to dissipate. If the tinnitus does not become less severe after two weeks, it may become permanent.

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