A Case of Acoustic Trauma Caused by Side-airbag Deployment

Several studies until the early 2000’s reported the occurrence of hearing loss and other auditory deficits as a result of deployment of airbags in vehicles. Although the number of publications on acoustic trauma caused by airbag deployment appears to have decreased recently, patients with acoustic trauma caused by airbag inflation are still encountered, and early intensive treatment after acoustic trauma is thought to be essential for recovery from hearing loss. Herein, we present a case of acoustic trauma of the right ear caused by side-airbag inflation.