Emergency War Surgery NATO Handbook: Part IV: Regional Wounds and Injuries: Chapter XXVI: Wounds and Injuries of the Ear
United States Department of Defense
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Injuries of the ear are common in combat. Such injuries may be confined to the external ear in the form of contusions, lacerations, or avulsions. Blast injuries of the middle or inner ear may cause deafness which may be permanent. These wounds often are overlooked or relegated, to a low priority of treatment in a busy aid station or field hospital. However, such injuries, if not appropriately treated, may result in prolonged morbidity or permanent disability.
Patients who have sustained injuries to the ear that include impairment of hearing should be protected from additional acoustic trauma until miaximum recovery is assured. Temporary or permanent reassignment of duty may be necessary.
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