Hearing loss is known as a degenerative disease caused by aging or exposure to loud noises over time. It can also be caused by traumatic injury to the head in an accident. There are three main causes of hearing loss after an accident, whiplash, head trauma, and airbag deployment.
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are moved back and forth violently, damaging the muscles and soft tissues in your neck. Whiplash is more common in rear-end collisions than any other type of car accident. If an accident is severe, the ear structure can be damaged and a patient can develop temporomandibular disorder, also known as TMJ.
Head Trauma
If you get into a crash and your head hits the steering wheel, windows, or dashboard you can get a traumatic brain injury which can also injure your ear system and cause hearing loss. The loss can occur by bones breaking within your ear pathways, damages to the tissues and blood flow to the ear, and even a ruptured eardrum.
Airbag Deployment
If the ear is exposed to 140 decibels of sound, permanent hearing loss can occur. Airbag intensity varies depending on the car and the company, but often the front airbag is about 160 decibels and dual airbags can reach 170 decibels. If your ear is close to this explosion, permanent damage can easily occur.
Symptoms
If you have been in a car accident and notice any of these symptoms, you should reach out to a healthcare professional immediately. Symptoms may include:
- Ringing in the ears
- Difficulty identifying voices or understanding words
- Dizziness or trouble with your balance
- Discomfort, painful burning, or itchiness within the ear
- Muffled hearing
How is a person impacted by hearing loss after an accident?
Hearing loss can have a significant impact on a person’s life. If you have a job that requires phone communication and other auditory needs, you may not be able to continue work. You may also have a hard time adjusting to social situations you were once a part of.
Any level of hearing loss that impacts how you can communicate with others often leads to increased loneliness, depression, reduced alertness, and reduced overall health. If you have lost your hearing in an accident caused by others, you have a right to compensation for the physical and mental toll the experience has taken on you.
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Sources:
- https://www.torklaw.com/practice-areas/hearing-damage/hearing-loss/
- https://harboraudiology.com/2020/11/what-to-do-if-you-suffer-from-car-accident-hearing-loss/
- https://www.faleslaw.com/car-accident-cause-hearing-loss.html
- https://www.michiganautolaw.com/blog/2021/03/31/hearing-loss-after-car-accident/
