Panosian M S, Dutcher P O
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York.
Occup Med (Lond). 1994 May;44(2):99-101. doi: 10.1093/occmed/44.2.99.
The risk for ear injury from molten metal or hot sparks produced during welding procedures is small, but the effects can be significant. Burns, tympanic membrane perforations and chronic otorrhoea are the most common results. Rare cases of inner ear injury and facial nerve paralysis have also been reported. Two cases recently encountered at our institution highlight the risk that exists for facial nerve injury. One patient suffered a significant facial nerve injury and deafness, while the other had a transient facial paresis. The injuries occurred when molten metal (slag) and a hot spark fell into the ear canal while welding. Neither subject was using ear protection at the time. These two cases are presented to highlight the rare but significant hazard of transtympanic facial nerve injury that exists during welding procedures. The use of ear protection is strongly advocated during welding operations that place the ear at risk.
焊接过程中产生的熔融金属或热火花导致耳部受伤的风险很小，但后果可能很严重。烧伤、鼓膜穿孔和慢性耳漏是最常见的结果。也有内耳损伤和面部神经麻痹的罕见病例报道。我们机构最近遇到的两例病例凸显了存在的面神经损伤风险。一名患者遭受了严重的面神经损伤和耳聋，而另一名患者有短暂的面部轻瘫。损伤发生在焊接时熔融金属（熔渣）和热火花掉入耳道时。当时两名患者均未使用耳部防护装置。呈现这两例病例是为了强调焊接过程中存在的经鼓膜面神经损伤这种罕见但严重的危害。在使耳朵面临风险的焊接操作过程中，强烈建议使用耳部防护装置。
