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Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
Hearing loss and automobile airbag deployments
D F Huelke1, J L Moore, T W Compton
1University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, Ann Arbor 48109-2150, USA.
Accident; Analysis and Prevention
|September 16, 1999
Summary
Airbag deployment in car crashes rarely causes hearing problems. This study found only 1.7% of occupants reported hearing issues after airbag incidents, indicating it
Area of Science:
- Traffic Safety Research
- Occupational Health
- Audiology
Background:
- Ongoing research investigates injuries from motor vehicle accidents.
- Focus on potential hearing problems linked to airbag deployments.
Observation:
- 177 car occupants involved in airbag crashes were interviewed.
- 225 attempts were made to contact drivers exposed to airbag deployments.
Findings:
- Only 3 out of 177 occupants reported hearing problems post-airbag deployment.
- One additional case involved pre-existing hearing loss.
- Permanent hearing deficit from airbag deployment is infrequent (1.7%).
Implications:
- Airbag systems appear safe regarding hearing.
- Further research may explore rare cases or specific deployment scenarios.
- This data supports the safety of airbag technology in vehicles.
