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

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.