As more Soldiers survive injuries sustained in combat, the U.S. Army is focusing its resources on preventing them and reducing the health risks Soldiers face. One of the top risks Soldiers encounter involves injuries to the areas of the head and neck, particularly with the extensive use of improvised explosive devices (IED) by enemy combatants. These high-velocity explosives have caused wide-ranging damage to troops exposed to the blasts. A myriad of shrapnel wounds, hearing loss and other head injuries have become common. Even though ear, nose and throat (ENT) disorders are among the top issues facing troops in combat, improvements in personal protective equipment have significantly reduced the risk of injuries. I'll examine the levels of risk for ENT injuries and how the Army is working to prevent them.

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