Article

We examined the prevalence, severity, etiology, and treatment of audiology
problems among Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF)
Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). A retrospective chart review was
performed of 250 Veterans with mild TBI. Results of a comprehensive second-level
mild TBI evaluation and subsequent visits to audiology were evaluated. We found
the vast majority (87%) of Veterans reported some level of hearing disturbance
and those involved in blast injuries reported a higher incidence of hearing
disturbance than those with other injury etiologies. Audiology referrals were
given to 75 Veterans and 37 attended. At this visit, Veterans reported tinnitus
(75.7%) and hearing loss (59.8%). Nearly half (48.6%) of Veterans were diagnosed
with conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, or central auditory
dysfunction. An additional 24.3% of Veterans had subclinical levels of auditory
dysfunction. Our study has highlighted the increased prevalence of hearing loss
among OIF/OEF Veterans and, thus, the need for appropriate referrals and
treatment. Strategies to address perceived stigma associated with hearing loss
may increase attendance at follow-up visits. Additionally, while only a third of
audiograms were found to be abnormal, advanced testing resulted in a significant
percentage of our population being diagnosed with auditory dysfunction.

Langue : ANGLAIS