Airbags Linked to Hearing Loss

Despite airbags’ proven ability to save lives in serious crashes, the explosive propellant used to inflate the safety devices have the potential to inflict serious hearing loss in humans, an auditory researcher says.

The findings come from G. Richard Price, an auditory physiologist and consultant to Charleston, MD-based Auditory Hazard Analysis, at the recent National Hearing Conservation Assn.’s annual conference in Savannah, GA.

Using an auditory assessment algorithm that analyzes the ear’s structure for sounds greater than 130 dB, Price tells the conference that 17% of occupants exposed to airbag deployments will suffer permanent hearing loss.


Read Article

zm3215 - 3/7/2007 12:30:39 PM

+2 Boost

What???

jeffy210 - 3/7/2007 12:35:10 PM

+4 Boost

Hmmm, permanent hearing loss or death, permanent hearing loss or death.... gee, that's a tough one, can I think on it for a bit?

Caddyman - 3/7/2007 4:17:11 PM

+1 Boost

^^The two posts above!!! LMAO!!!

Rupert - 3/7/2007 6:18:20 PM

+1 Boost

ummm....have they thought that the hearing loss could have perhaps come from the massive crash these people were in?
And note it does not say how much hearing loss. Could be imperceptible, only high pitched sounds or something.
The article also says american market vehicles have larger airbags. Why?

Matthew1 - 3/7/2007 10:46:51 PM

+1 Boost

Rupert,

Because in America it is not law to wear seat belts, therefore the airbags must help stop a unrestrained person flying through the windscreen.

Rupert - 3/8/2007 11:07:16 AM

+1 Boost

ohhhh...you don't have to wear seatbelts? That's dumb.
Airbags here all say "supplementary restrant system" implying they aren't to be used by themselves.