Have you heard of hearing loss resulting from an airbag explosion? I lost 35% of my hearing, a gradual effect, after a Nov. '92 accident. I have not been exposed to any loud noises over my lifetime. My husband and children noticed my loss before I did. It came on gradually. In January of '95 I was diagnosed a diabetic and suffering from hyperthyroidism. My endocrinologist has heard of rare bilateral hearing loss in juvenile diabetics, but normally, they're very young. I was 35 when this all started. If you have any information regarding hearing loss related to airbags, I would appreciate your emaling me back.
Reply: -----------------------
Sensorineural hearing loss related to acoustic trauma associated with air bag deployment has been reported in the literature. However, sensorineural hearing loss has also been reported in association with metabolic or hormonal disorders such as diabetes or thyroid dysfunction. Although there is no specific test that will determine for certain the cause of your hearing loss, acoustic trauma-related hearing loss tends to have a fairly characteristic pattern and will not be progressive in nature provided no additional hazardous noise exposure is present.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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