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Otology/Neurotology

Acoustic Trauma and Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Monday, October 2, 2023
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM East Coast USA Time
Location: 104BC

    Moderator(s)

  • Samuel A. Spear, MD

    Chief, DoD Hearing Center of Excellence
    Defense Health Agency Hearing Center of Excellence
    San Antonio, TX, United States

    • Panelist(s)

  • Carlos R. Esquivel, MD

    Chief Medical Officer for the DOD Hearing Center of Excellence
    DoD Hearing Center of Excellence, DHA
    San Antonio, TX, United States

  • Colleen G. Le Prell, PhD

    Professor and Chair of the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing
    University of Texas at Dallas
    Dallas, TX, United States

  • IE

    Isaac D. Erbele, MD

    Chief of Neurotology, Associate Program Director
    Brooke Army Medical Center, Joint Base San Antonio, TX
    San Antonio, TX, United States

Disclosure(s):
Carlos R. Esquivel, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Colleen G. Le Prell, PhD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: In this panel, our experts will discuss and review acute Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and acoustic trauma, in particular, how it relates to military members and populations routinely exposed to acoustic trauma. We will review how standard hearing conservation surveillance programs characterize hearing changes by capturing auditory changes in noise exposed populations. In addition, we will review the development of therapeutics for diverse hearing and balance indications related to NIHL. We will discuss the science of auditory medicines, summarize the clinical testing process and the pathway for investigational medicines; briefly review ongoing and completed clinical trials; and share specific messaging for patients regarding possible treatment options for acute NIHL. We will review and discuss the acoustic trauma protocol.
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is defined as temporary or permanent sensorineural hearing loss from high-intensity continuous or impulse acoustic insults. In the military population, routine exposure to blast or firearms discharge during training and/or combat makes hearing loss one of the most prevalent Department of Defense (DOD) disabilities. More broadly, NIHL is the most common occupational disability, impacting 16% of the world’s population. Tinnitus and cognitive impairment are secondary effects, which can cause substantial disruption to the patient. Despite hearing protection device (HPD) requirements within occupational hearing loss prevention programs, the prevalence of NIHL remains stubbornly high.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Review acute noise-induced hearing loss and the Acoustic Trauma Protocol.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Discuss how well current DoD surveillance practices characterize military hearing changes.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Review clinical testing and clinical trials related to auditory medicines and discuss possible treatment options for acute NIHL.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Routine exposure to acoustic trauma makes hearing loss a potential prevalent disability. There is recent evidence to suggest potential treatment options for acoustic trauma. The goal is to establish a clinical recommendation for coding, evaluation, and treatment of acoustic trauma/NIHL.