You are called to the vehicle maintenance department on the mountain, where a fairly large explosion has occurred. The first injured person you talk to tells you that he is having excruciating ear pain. You recognize that his ear pain may be caused by:

a. inner ear damage caused by the noise of the explosion.
b. a primary blast injury to the inner ear.
c. a secondary blast injury to the inner ear.
d. ear damage resulting from exposure to the heat produced by the explosion.

Answer: b