Can You Get Tinnitus from a Car Accident?
If you have been in a car accident where you have hit your head or the airbag deployed, you may experience “tinnitus,” or ringing in the ears. While tinnitus is not a life threatening injury, it may be distressing and impact a person's quality of life. Here are some things to know about tinnitus, should you or a loved one experience it after a car accident.
What is Tinnitus?
According to the
National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, tinnitus is the result of an abnormality in the inner ear, which causes a person to hear noise, such as a ringing sound, with no external noise present. Other sounds you may hear are clicking noises, roaring, or a buzzing sound. A person suffering from tinnitus may also experience loss of hearing in the ear where they are hearing ringing sounds. Because there is not any diagnostic testing in which tinnitus may be detected, health care professionals will base their diagnosis on symptoms. They will then be able to determine the extent of hearing loss. In the case of tinnitus and associated deafness, it is possible there is a tear in the nerve receptors in the ear. A physician should be able to identify the issue.
Can a Car Accident Cause Tinnitus?
Yes. You have been in a car accident, and your ears are ringing. How did this happen? Car accidents cause a lot of hearing issues in people. Experiencing head trauma may cause tinnitus. Whiplash may cause hearing issues, as well as the deployment of an airbag. In the case of airbags, they can deploy with a loud pop that can damage your ears. This acoustic trauma can cause ringing in your ears and even hearing loss. The sound may have actually ruptured or torn your eardrum.
Anyone in the vehicle at the time the airbag deploys is susceptible to such ear trauma. When tinnitus occurs, vertigo may also occur. A variety of car accident types including head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, rollovers, and fender benders can cause car accident tinnitus.
Tinnitus After Car Accident Treatment
Sometimes tinnitus can become severe enough to interfere with ordinary daily activities. There are ways to minimize the impact tinnitus has on your life. For instance, hearing aids can help overcome hearing loss. Wearable sound generators use pleasant sounds that help mask the ringing noise. There are also tabletop generators that do the same, as well as other technological means to drown out the sounds of tinnitus. To help you live with this condition, counseling may also help. Researchers continue to study tinnitus and work to find ways to cure the condition.
If you have been in a car crash and are experiencing tinnitus, it is important to consult a doctor to determine the best course of action from a medical standpoint. Tinnitus can impact your life and get in the way of daily tasks, such as working and being able to sleep. If the condition is affecting your ability to enjoy life, it may be a good idea to consult with an experienced car accident attorney to learn about what your options are.
Have You Suffered Tinnitus After a Car Accident? Call William Mattar.
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At William Mattar law offices, our 24/7 support team can help you after your car crash. If you are suffering from car accident tinnitus, you may be entitled to compensation. Call our car accident lawyers today at 844-444-4444.