EAR PAIN AMONG CALL CENTRE EMPLOYEES

Those who work as call centre operatives, experience  various types of pain. Most often it is due to , exposure to sudden unexpected sounds through their telephone handset or head set. This condition is known as ACOUSTIC SHOCK SYNDROME or ACOUSTIC  INJURY. 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? 

Symptoms can be of sudden and late onset. Pain is the most important symptom, manifests as ear pain followed by neck, jaw or facial pain. There will be associated ringing sensation in the ear and some balance disorders. There will  also be  temporary hearing loss some times. 

Delayed symptoms are anxiety, sleep disorders, hyperacusis or hypersensitivity to sounds, ear fullness or congestion and increased vigilance. 

WHAT CAUSES THIS? 

The sounds that are produced close to the ear usually causes this acoustic shock, than distant sounds. So many theories have been put forth, but the most accepted one is tonic contraction of middle ear muscles. Hence this condition is also known as TONIC TENSOR TYMPANI SYNDROME. 

WHAT CAN BE DONE? 

Reassurance, counselling, audiological and psychological evaluation, if tinnitus and hyperacusis is present. Treatment given according to the audiometry. Some exercises for relaxation of neck and eye muscles also can be done. 

Hope this post was useful.