Which symptom is specifically associated with acoustic trauma?

Recruitment, which refers to the phenomenon of experiencing discomfort or pain in the ear when exposed to loud noises, is specifically associated with acoustic trauma. Acoustic trauma results from exposure to high-decibel sound waves, which can damage the hair cells in the inner ear. This damage can lead to a hypersensitivity to sound, making previously tolerable levels of noise feel painful or uncomfortable.

While dizziness, nausea, and ringing in the head (tinnitus) can occur in various auditory and vestibular disorders, they are not uniquely indicative of acoustic trauma. Dizziness can stem from numerous causes unrelated to loud noise exposure, while nausea is often linked to balance issues rather than direct auditory injury. Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a common symptom of various hearing conditions but does not specifically denote the pain response associated with recruitment. Thus, recruitment is the symptom that stands out in relation to acoustic trauma.