Consultative problems in the cases of acoustic injuries caused by explosions, according to documented medical opinions on injuries sustained by Polish soldiers in Afghanistan

Abstract

Introduction: Te aim of the study was to analyse consultative problems in the cases of acoustic injuries caused by detonation of explosives or use of frearms and resulting in hearing loss detectable in audio metric tests. Material and methods: Te study was based on documented medical opinions released by Forensic Medi cine Department, Medical University of Warsaw, and concerning injuries sustained by Polish soldiers serving in missions in Afghanistan. Te expert’s role was to indicate sustained injuries and provide their legal qualifcation. Results: Consultative problems were reported for acoustic injuries due to the specifcity of such cases. Sustained damage was related to permanent hearing loss in the high-frequency range confrmed in audi ometric tests. Conclusions: As Polish soldiers serve in military missions abroad, forensic medics ofen encounter prob lems releasing medical opinions on injuries sustained by the soldiers. It may be noticed, that changes in military equipment and warfare result in higher incidence of isolated hearing loss. At the same time, damage to the vestibulocochlear organ may limit the ability to continue military service and negatively afect the non-professional activities of the soldier.