Summary
Aim. To analize different types of hearing impairment. Discuss available scientific literature on the disease, treatment and protection methods.
Material and methods. The search of the literature was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar. Articles discussing acute and chronic noise-induced hearing loss, their pathogenesis and treatment options were selected. Publications were selected based on the following keywords: “noise induced hearing loss”, “acute acoustic trauma”, “chronic noise induced hearing loss”, “treatment”, “safe listening guidance”.
Hearing disorders. the scientific literature describes two types of noise – induced hearing damages: acute and chronic. Hearing loses vary in their pathophysiology and treatment. Loud noises can be heard in work and leisure environments.
Conclusion. Despite the possibility of preventing noise – induced hearing loses, it is increasing worldwide. Prevention is the most important thing to avoid chronic hearing loss. It consist of safe listening and the use of protective equipment. Acute acoustic trauma can be treated with different methods. The best results are achieved when treatment is started immediately after the injury.
