[About progressive deafness after a detonation and explosion trauma (author's transl)]

A case is reported in which deafness was caused by an explosion trauma during wartime. In an expertise in 1954 a causal relationship between the explosion and the deafness was rejected. Advances in medical technology and research into deafness resulting from acustic trauma led to a revision of the previous decision, therefore in 1978 the deafness was acknowledged as war damage and this statement was confirmed by court judgement. The possibilities of a progressive development of ear or skull trauma due to sound is discussed. The point is stressed that there can be longtime intervals between the trauma and the onset and development of resulting deafness. This fact should induce therapeutic consequences, some of the so far tried approaches in therapy are reported.