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All employees at risk of ear damage should be protected from acoustic shock and hearing loss. Failure by an employer to provide workers with ear defenders or to train them in other preventative measures could result in a compensation claim being made.
Workers suffer from acoustic shock after being exposed to a high-frequency sound for a short period of time, for example sudden head-set feed-back noise or an explosion. Symptoms can include pain in the ears, tinnitus, loss of balance, shock and nausea.
Anyone who has suffered ear infections or diving trauma to their ears in the past is at a greater risk of suffering from ear injury because, typically, parts of the ear's structure will have already been damaged.
Weaker inner ear membranes (tectorial and basilar), sometimes caused by previous illnesses or trauma, can tear when the victim suffers acoustic shock and may result in a perilymph fistula.
What is a perilymph fistula?
The "perilymph" is the fluid found between the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear and the boney labyrinth which encloses it.
A "fistula" is a passage between two organs, hollow or tubular in shape, which has been made surgically, by an abnormality, or by being torn unnaturally by a sudden shock.
Exposure to a loud noise can cause this trauma to the ear, but a head injury, sneezing, bending over, or being exposed to sudden changes in barometric pressure can also lead to a fistula occurring.
It may become clear to the victim that they are suffering from this ear damage when perilymph fluid leaks into the middle ear, typically accompanied by a sudden or rapid loss of hearing. They may also feel dizzy and find it difficult to maintain their balance.
Plus, they may notice that their own voice or the sound of a musical instrument will also be enough to cause them to feel dizzy. This is called Tullio's phenomenon.
Most perilymph fistulas will heal naturally if the casualty's activities are reduced. Usually a medical professional will suggest strict bed-rest for about a week. Only if this period of rest does not produce any improvements might a surgical option be discussed.
Claim for acoustic shock leading to a perilymph fistula
If you have suffered hearing loss due to acoustic shock and have sustained further damage to your inner ear due to the initial personal injury, you could be entitled to make a claim against your employer if the incident was not your fault.
Call YouClaim on 0800 10 757 95 or fill in a short online claim form to see if an expert solicitor could help you with your acoustic shock case.
