Why Is My Ear Ringing After Car Accident?

You can develop a medical issue called tinnitus if you were recently in a car crash. If you experience ringing in your ears, it is a high chance that you might have it. Tinnitus is the presence of sounds without any outside source. After a car accident, it may be an indication of some medical conditions.

What Causes Tinnitus in Car Accidents?

If a person hears noises and sounds even though there is no outside source, he may have a condition called tinnitus. It is characterized by a ringing in  the ears and could affect one or both ears. A number of things may bring this condition. Tinnitus can be caused by physical ear or head trauma or sudden exposure to extremely loud sounds.

Physical ear or head trauma and the loud noises from a car crash could cause acoustic trauma to an individual. Tinnitus or hearing loss can develop following a car accident after physical trauma like a traumatic brain injury. Neck injuries are another example of these physical traumas. Aside from these, extremely loud sounds from an auto accident can be the cause of tinnitus.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Tinnitus After an Accident?

Tinnitus symptoms and signs might differ greatly between different individuals. Some individuals hear ringing sounds, but it varies. After a car collision, if you feel any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible:

What Are The Different Types of Tinnitus?

Even though cases of tinnitus are common, each case is unique. Tinnitus has multiple variants, and all cases will likely fit into one of these two.

Chronic Tinnitus

Tinnitus is classified as chronic if the signs and symptoms persist for over three months. The likelihood that it will develop into a permanent issue increases the longer it occurs. However, chronic tinnitus can still be treated with therapy or by the use of hearing aids. The treatment undertaken will depend on the underlying cause of tinnitus.

Acute Tinnitus

Tinnitus that occurs for a short time or a maximum of three months is referred to as acute tinnitus. It can result from a physical medical issue, or it might be brought on by deafening noises. Tinnitus might linger for only a few days but can also take many weeks to go away. When properly treated, acute tinnitus usually goes away on its own without much issue.

Can Ear Wax Cause Tinnitus?

Ear wax clogging the ear canal can possibly cause tinnitus. Tinnitus can actually be brought on by even a little buildup of ear wax on the eardrum. Reducing ear wax is a good place to start when figuring out the cause of tinnitus. Loud noises, head trauma, ear infections, TMJ complications, and medications are other things that may result in tinnitus.

Is a Tinnitus-Related Concussion Permanent?

Many tinnitus cases will go away within a short matter of time. Weeks or months may pass before tinnitus stops completely. Your tinnitus could be permanent if it lasts longer than three months to up to a year. This also holds true if head trauma leads to unresolved tinnitus.

Tinnitus caused by concussions must be resolved by medical professionals. Serious hearing problems for the rest of your life or permanent hearing loss could result if this remains unchecked.

Damage To the Eardrum or Middle Ear

Damage to the eardrums can definitely contribute to tinnitus. An eardrum can be damaged by exposure to  infections, extremely loud noises, and sudden changes in pressure. It is best to get medical attention as soon as possible to avoid more damage to prevent permanent hearing issues.

How Does Airbag Deployment Cause Tinnitus?

Airbags are an essential safety feature in any car. They are pretty much required for individuals to have a chance to survive extremely bad crashes. However, this security has an unpleasant side. While trying to save your life, airbags might result in various injuries. These can range from a few external bruises to some other scrapes. However, the extremely loud sound that airbags create when they deploy can result in hearing issues.

The noise an airbag makes upon expansion is frequently compared to gunshots. This extremely loud noise can cause hearing damage. Airbag expansions during a car crash may cause acoustic trauma aside from physical. The small and delicate parts of the ear may get damaged due to how close an individual is to the sudden loud noise. The expansion of the airbag may be the reason for tinnitus following an auto collision.

Can Whiplash Cause Tinnitus in an Auto Accident?

Definitely. Physical neck and head trauma from a car crash are potential causes of tinnitus. A crash’s physical force and loud noise can harm the head and ears. Whiplash, neck injuries, and TMJ damage are other possible reasons for tinnitus following a car accident. Tinnitus can also be a symptom of something as bad as a traumatic brain injury, which could happen after a car collision.

How to Diagnose Tinnitus After a Car Accident

After an automobile accident, tinnitus symptoms can range in frequency and severity. You may need to look for urgent medical care. It is important that you visit a medical professional if you experience severe tinnitus symptoms after a car accident. Seeking medical attention is imperative when it comes to tinnitus treatment and diagnosis. On top of that, diagnostic imaging tests are needed to pinpoint what the cause truly is to find a solution faster.

Can You Sue for Tinnitus or Hearing Loss After a Car Crash?

If the other party’s carelessness resulted in your harm, you may be able to pursue compensation for your tinnitus. When an automobile accident results in injury, you can file an injury lawsuit with the help of a personal injury lawyer. However, you need medical professionals to prove that your tinnitus was from the accident caused by the other party. This is also possible for hearing loss or hearing damage. Proving this will greatly help your case in pursuing compensation with the insurance company. You might be able to receive compensation for your lost wages and medical bills in a fair settlement.

What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident

Call 911 or have someone else do it if you are hurt. While you wait for medical attention, try not to move to prevent further harm. To avoid prolonging the healing process, seek medical attention right away. You could lessen the severity of injuries by getting medical treatment immediately.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney for a Free Consultation About Your Ear Injury After a Car Accident.

You can get assistance from a skilled personal injury lawyer while seeking just compensation. With an attorney, you have better chances to be fairly compensated for your expenses and injuries.

A lawyer can help you get maximum compensation. Consult a knowledgeable auto accident lawyer from The Clark Law Office right away for a free consultation. Call us at (517) 347-6900 or email info@theclarklawoffice.com to get in touch.