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Pediatric Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness: A ... - PHE Home

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perilymph in the membranous labyrinth, are converted again into nerve impulses at the<br />

organ of Corti in the cochlea. The blast wave overwhelms this intricate <strong>and</strong> delicate<br />

system <strong>and</strong> is then amplified down the conductive <strong>and</strong> sensory neural pathways. The<br />

result can be injury to any of part of the auditory system, including perforation of the<br />

tympanic membrane, disruption of the ossicular chain, or damage to the organ of Corti.<br />

In addition to the damage caused by amplification of the shock wave within the auditory<br />

system, the instantaneous rise in overpressure inflicts additional damage. The ability to<br />

equilibrate middle ear pressure via the eustachian tube is overwhelmed. The resulting<br />

expansion of the cavity <strong>and</strong> distortion of tissue causes additional mechanical injury.<br />

Tympanic membrane rupture. Tympanic membrane rupture from most causes heals<br />

spontaneously, with 10% of the eardrum expected to heal per month. Spontaneous<br />

healing has been observed in perforations involving

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