ABSTRACT
Acute acoustic trauma (AAT) occurs not only in war but also as part of the injury pattern sustained by victims of terrorism and peacetime occupational or recreational accidents. Almost all roles in the Armed Forces involve exposure to potentially hazardous levels of noise and, on occasions, blast. Resultant injuries are of major concern, both individually and collectively. Within the military, AAT has enormous operational significance, compromising war fighter performance and depleting manpower resource. Long term sequelae from acute acoustic trauma (AAT) can result in a significantly reduced quality of life and poor future employability. For the individual, monetary compensation rarely makes up for the loss of this vital sense and the immediate and long-term financial burden of this condition to the nation is significant.
