You may know that the most common causes of hearing loss are advancing age and noise exposure. But did you know that getting in a car accident can also lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss? We review the connection below.
Car Accident Injuries That Can Cause Hearing Loss
Some injuries that can cause hearing loss include:
Head Trauma
If you hit your head on the window, steering wheel or any other part of your vehicle, it can result in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This can also cause a ruptured eardrum, damage to the tiny bones within the middle ear, damage to the structures within the inner ear or disruption of blood flow to the cochlea. All these types of damage can result in hearing loss.
Whiplash
Whiplash and other direct blunt neck trauma can also cause hearing loss. In one study, 83 patients reported hearing impairment following blunt neck trauma. In addition, 46 subjects reported tinnitus (ringing in the ears). This is because whiplash can also damage inner ear structures and cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which is associated with hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo.
Airbag Deployment
Any sound over 140 decibels (dB) can cause permanent hearing loss, even with a single, rapid exposure. According to Hearing Health Matters, the front airbag can produce sound as loud as 160 dB, dual airbag deployments can reach 170 dB and side airbags in some vehicles exceed 178 dB. This can cause permanent sensorineural hearing loss.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss Following a Car Accident
If you’ve been in a car accident, pay attention to see if you experience the following symptoms:
- Difficulty distinguishing voices from background noise
- Muffled or foggy hearing
- Pain in the ears
- Pressure or fullness in the ears
- Dizziness or vertigo
If you do experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a hearing expert, known as an audiologist, right away. Early treatment yields the best outcomes.
Is Hearing Loss after a Car Accident Permanent?
Whether or not hearing loss after a car accident is permanent depends on the type and extent of the damage. For example, a ruptured eardrum can heal, but damage to the hair cells within the inner ear that convert soundwaves into electrical energy the brain interprets as sound is permanent.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with an expert audiologist, call Gulf Coast Audiology today.