DefinitionAcoustic trauma is injury to the hearing mechanisms in the inner ear due to very loud noise.Alternative NamesInjury - inner ear; Trauma - inner ear; Ear injuryCauses, incidence, and risk factorsAcoustic trauma is a common cause of sensory hearing loss. Damage to the hearing mechanisms within the inner ear may be caused by:An explosion near the earGunshotsLong-term exposure to loud noises (such as loud music or machinery)SymptomsHearing loss Usually partial and involving high-pitched soundsMay slowly get worseNoises, ringing in the ear (tinnitus)Signs and testsThe health care provider will usually suspect acoustic trauma if hearing loss occurs after noise exposure. Audiometry may determine how much hearing has been lost.TreatmentThe hearing loss may not be treatable. The goal of t