[Posttraumatic neurosensory hypoacusis in forensic medical practice]

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Audiology
• Forensic Medicine

Context:

• Traumatic injuries are a notable cause of neurosensory hypoacusis (NSHA) in young, healthy populations.
• NSHA diagnosis is frequently overlooked in forensic medical evaluations, leading to potential social issues.
• This study investigates the audiometric characteristics of NSHA in individuals with labyrinth trauma.

Purpose:

• To analyze the audiometric signs associated with neurosensory hypoacusis (NSHA) resulting from labyrinth trauma.
• To explore the utility of pure tone audiometry in differentiating between mechanical and barotraumas.
• To establish pure tone audiometry as a tool for determining the extent of harm to health in trauma cases.

Summary:

• Epidemiological data and literature indicate trauma as a key factor in the development of NSHA among the young.
• Audiometric findings in patients with labyrinth trauma were examined.
• Pure tone audiometry can distinguish between mechanical and barotraumas and assist in assessing health impairment.

Impact:

• Highlights the importance of recognizing and diagnosing NSHA in young trauma patients.
• Emphasizes the role of audiometry in forensic medical examinations for trauma-related hearing loss.
• Provides a basis for objective assessment of hearing damage severity following labyrinth trauma.