Being injured in an accident, including a car accident, can be a stressful and traumatic experience. Not all injuries are immediately apparent right after the accident. A car crash can result in internal injuries such as organ damage, concussion, internal bleeding, and tinnitus, among others. Tinnitus, which is characterized by ringing in the ears, is more common than you might think.
Typically, this type of injury occurs as a result of exposure to a loud sound or trauma to the head. For example, car accidents often involve loud noises and violent impacts. During car crashes, victims might even suffer tinnitus due to the deployment of the airbag.
When airbags deploy, the sound of deployment can be so loud that it causes damage to a vehicle occupantโs ears. In fact, the sound of airbag deployment can generate a sound pressure of over 170 decibels, which is enough to cause damage to the ears and potentially lead to tinnitus. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with tinnitus after an injury, you can consult an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss your options if youโre planning to pursue legal action or seek damages.
Our California-based attorneys have years of experience handling personal injury cases, including some involving tinnitus after car accidents. We can assist you in understanding your legal options and pursuing a claim, if appropriate. Call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our contact form to discuss your unique case and learn if you have a valid claim to file.
Why Is My Ear Ringing After An Accident?
Ringing in the ears is one of the most common and telltale symptoms of tinnitus. While tinnitus is often described as a ringing in the ears, this type of injury may sound like roaring, hissing, clicking, or even buzzing when the injured person is in a silent environment. In extreme cases, tinnitus can cause bleeding from the ears.
Tinnitus is also a common symptom of whiplash or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) caused by trauma to the head in car accidents and other accidents. While ringing in the ears may seem like a temporary inconvenience after an accident, tinnitus could affect your hearing for the rest of your life. It is important to seek medical attention after an accident or if you notice any symptoms of tinnitus.
What Causes Tinnitus After A Car Accident?
Car crashes are a common cause of tinnitus. Tinnitus after an automobile accident may occur when you hit your head or the airbag deploys. Upon impact in a car crash, airbag deployment results in a deafening noise, which can be loud enough to injure your eardrums.
Tinnitus is also a common symptom of TBIs sustained in a car accident. Trauma to the head can affect a personโs ability to hear. Tinnitus and hearing loss are also related to neck injuries sustained by victims of car crashes. Often, you do not even need to hit your head to sustain tinnitus because this type of injury might also result from the rapid movement of the neck backward and then forward (whiplash).
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Tinnitus After An Accident?
Tinnitus, a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, often occurs after accidents, with victims particularly being more vulnerable if they incur head or neck injuries. Recognizing its signs and development is crucial for seeking proper medical care and safeguarding your health. It is advisable to see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Hearing sounds without an external sound source, such as:
- Ringing
- Buzzing
- Humming or hissing
- Pulsing or whooshing
- Roaring
- Ear pain
- Bleeding from the ear
- Complete loss of hearing
- Decreased or muffled hearing
- Earache
- Headaches
- Sleep problems
- Difficulty concentration
The above-mentioned noises of tinnitus may be heard in silent environments. The noises may vary in pitch, and the victim who has tinnitus may hear them in one or both ears. Many accident victims mistakenly believe that their symptoms are temporary and, as a result, avoid going to a doctor.
However, tinnitus can disrupt your daily living. If left untreated, tinnitus may cause hearing problems for the rest of your life. That is why you should seek medical attention as soon as you notice any of the tinnitus symptoms mentioned above.
Why Does Airbag Deployment Cause Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a common type of injury in car crashes involving airbag deployment upon impact. In order to understand why airbag deployment can cause tinnitus, you need to understand how airbags work. Upon impact, airbags in your motor vehicle use a tiny explosive to create a large volume of gas to inflate the bag. An airbag, which can deploy in about 55 milliseconds when an accident occurs, can save lives and prevent life-threatening injuries.
However, the sound of airbag deployment can be loud enough to cause hearing loss and tinnitus. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, levels of 85 decibels for extended periods of time can cause hearing loss. The sound of airbag deployment can be greater than 170 decibels.
The sound pressure generated by an airbag explosion can be compared to the sound of a powerful rocket launch, which can produce noise of up to 180 decibels, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). A decibel level of between 120 and 140 is considered the threshold of pain, where hearing problems and ear damage may occur.
The loud noise of airbag deployment can cause persistent ringing in the ears, ear pain, bleeding from the ears, and other symptoms of tinnitus. In extreme cases, the damage to the ear canals can be severe enough to result in permanent hearing loss.
The acoustic trauma associated with airbag deployment can rupture or tear the affected personโs eardrums. The occupants of a motor vehicle in which an airbag is deployed upon impact in a car accident should seek medical attention as soon as possible for a speedy diagnosis and effective treatment.
Tinnitus And The Force Of Impact In A Car Accident
While many victims of car accidents experience tinnitus as a result of their exposure to the loud sound of an airbag deployment, others may suffer tinnitus due to trauma to the head or physical damage to the structures in the ear. The ears are comprised of tiny and delicate bones. The violent physical force involved in an automobile crash can be severe enough to cause damage to the bones of the ear.
These bones may become dislocated, fractured, or otherwise damaged, which can result in tinnitus and other hearing problems. The force of impact in a car accident might also cause sensorineural hearing loss when parts of the brain that control hearing function are damaged. When this happens, there is a risk that ringing in the ears or other symptoms of tinnitus will be permanent.
Can Whiplash Cause Tinnitus In A Car Accident?
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries suffered by victims of car accidents. Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden jerking backward and forward. This type of injury is common in rear-end accidents. Rear-end accident lawyers may review these cases to understand how the impact caused neck and head movement that could lead to lasting symptoms.
Studies show that over 80% of people experiencing whiplash fully recover during the first year of the injury. However, many victims develop the so-called โlate whiplash syndrome,โ which is associated with persistent headaches, neck pain, hearing loss, and tinnitus, among others. Often, victims of car accidents do not notice or develop any symptoms of whiplash for days or even weeks after the crash. That is why it is vital to watch out for delayed symptoms after an accident.
What Are The Different Types Of Tinnitus?
Tinnitus sounds are different for everyone, which is why doctors recognize three types of this condition:
- Subjective Tinnitus โ This one is the most common type of tinnitus, in which the sound of tinnitus is only heard by the affected person. In mild cases, subjective tinnitus can last up to 12 months. In severe cases, subjective tinnitus remains for the rest of the affected personโs life.
- Objective Tinnitus โ This rare type of tinnitus is caused by vascular deformities or involuntary contractions of ear muscles. This form of tinnitus can be heard not only by the person experiencing it but also by others.
- Pulsating Tinnitus โ This condition is also known as pulsatile tinnitus. As its name implies, this type of tinnitus produces sounds aligned with the affected personโs pulse.
Keep in mind that the victim may experience tinnitus alongside other conditions such as a TBI, whiplash, and others. It is essential to begin the treatment as soon as possible to treat tinnitus and other conditions.
Can Tinnitus Damage Your Brain?
A common myth about tinnitus is that the condition indicates that the affected personโs brain is dying. In reality, tinnitus is just a symptom of structural and functional changes in the brain. A 2018 study showed that about 76% of military veterans diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury also experience tinnitus. In other words, it means that while tinnitus itself does not damage your brain, ringing in the ears and other symptoms of tinnitus after an accident could be a sign of other conditions affecting your brain.
Is A Tinnitus-Related Concussion Permanent?
Symptoms of traumatic brain injuries and concussions frequently include tinnitus, which can be a direct consequence of the head trauma causing a TBI or concussion. In most cases, a single concussion will not cause permanent damage. However, studies showed that just one concussion might cause long-term structural damage to the brain.
What To Do If You Experience Ringing In The Ears After An Accident
If you experience ringing in the ears or other symptoms of tinnitus after an accident, it is vital to visit an emergency room or hospital to determine the extent of your tinnitus and accompanying conditions. A timely and accurate diagnosis of your tinnitus will help you understand the short- and long-term prognosis and start the most effective treatment.
If you have noticed any symptoms of tinnitus after a car crash or another accident, you may wish to contact a personal injury attorney in California to discuss your situation. At Arash Law, our accident lawyers have experience handling personal injury claims involving tinnitus, TBIs, concussions, neck injuries, and others. Call (888) 488-1391 to book a free initial consultation with our personal injury lawyers.
How To Diagnose Tinnitus After A Car Accident
When you go to a doctor after your car accident, the doctor will ask you about the symptoms you are experiencing, when those symptoms appeared, and other questions before conducting a physical exam. The physical exam to diagnose tinnitus after an accident may include the examination of a patientโs:
- Ears
- Head
- Neck
- Oral cavity
- Oral pharynx
- Throat
- Nose
- Eyes
- Nervous system
The medical professional may also administer an audiogram, also known as a hearing test, to evaluate the patientโs level of hearing in the ears. If a doctor suspects a traumatic brain injury, they may also order diagnostic imaging tests, including an MRI and a CT scan.
What Is The Treatment For Tinnitus After An Accident?
Depending on the severity of tinnitus and underlying conditions, treatment for tinnitus may include:
- Medication
- Sound therapy
- Retraining therapy
- Relief therapy
- Surgery
Tinnitus Medication
Doctors may also prescribe medications to help patients relieve the constant ringing in the ears, though drugs cannot fully heal hearing problems associated with tinnitus. They might also cause a range of side effects, including:
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Heart problems
Sound Therapy For Tinnitus
People experiencing tinnitus after an accident may have a greater likelihood of recovery when participating in sound therapy combined with retraining therapy. Sound therapy utilizes the โhabituationโ process to retrain the brainโs perception of sounds, diverting its attention away from the ringing sounds and amplifying other sounds. While sound therapy may not cure the ringing in the ears, the purpose of the therapy is to teach patients to deal with the persistent noise in the ears.
Noise Machines For Tinnitus
Tinnitus-related treatment may also include the use of noise machines to suppress the persistent ringing in the ears. However, noise machines cannot be used all the time, which is why they might only provide temporary relief. A doctor may also recommend hearing aids to amplify external environmental noise.
The Cost Of Tinnitus Treatment
The treatment for tinnitus after an accident can be quite expensive. If their tinnitus developed as a result of car crash injuries, patients affected by tinnitus may also need treatment for anxiety and depression.
What To Do If You Have Tinnitus After A Car Accident
Tinnitus may develop right after an accident or days later. Taking the right steps if you notice symptoms can help protect your health and any potential claims you file in the future. Here are some actions to consider if you experience tinnitus after a car accident:
- Seek Medical Attention As Soon As Possible โ It is important to seek medical attention after a car accident, even if symptoms are not immediately apparent. Starting treatment for tinnitus sooner after an accident may help with managing symptoms. Some symptoms of tinnitus may take days or even weeks to appear, which is why it is a good idea to seek medical attention even if you feel fine after the crash.
- Get a Referral to a Specialist โ If you have persistent noise in the ears following a car accident, do not forget to mention it to your doctor during a physical exam. The doctor may refer you to an otolaryngologist, otologist, neurotologist, or audiologist to diagnose your tinnitus.
- Document Your Tinnitus โ It is important to gather medical records and documentation of tinnitus after your car accident. Besides your medical records, retain copies of all bills, receipts, and records of payment related to the diagnosis and tinnitus treatment, and other conditions after the accident. Documenting a link between your car crash and your injuries, including tinnitus, may help support a valid claim for compensation.
- Speak With a California Personal Injury Attorney โ Consider consulting with a skilled personal injury attorney if you have been diagnosed with tinnitus after the accident. Your attorney can help you assess your claim, file it if itโs valid, evaluate potential losses and expenses, communicate with insurance companies, and assist with paperwork.
- Report Your Accident to Your Insurance Company โ You must notify your insurance company if you have been injured in a car accident. If the accident is not reported in a timely manner, it is possible that your coverage may be denied.
- Consult Your Attorney Before Settling โ Before accepting any settlement or signing any documents related to your car accident, consider consulting with a personal injury lawyer. If you receive a settlement offer, consider discussing it with a lawyer to review whether it addresses your losses and any future expenses related to tinnitus.
You may request a free first case evaluation with our California personal injury attorneys at Arash Law to discuss your situation. Our car accident lawyers can help you understand your legal options when seeking tinnitus-related damages after a crash. Call us at (888) 488-1391.
How To File A Personal Injury Claim For Tinnitus In California
The first step in making a claim to pursue compensation for your tinnitus-related losses is to report your accident to your insurance company. In most cases, you will have 24 hours to notify your insurance company of the accident. If your claim is accepted, the insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to your case to conduct an investigation.
The claims adjuster may ask you to provide a recorded statement, but you have no obligation to do so. You may wish to consult a lawyer to handle the claims process and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Under California law, an insurance company has 40 days to either approve or deny your personal injury claim after receiving proof of claim (California Code of Regulations ยง 2695.7).
Can You Pursue Compensation For Tinnitus?
California law allows individuals to seek compensation for any bodily injuries, including tinnitus, if those injuries were caused by another partyโs negligence, recklessness, intentional conduct, or carelessness. However, tinnitus can be difficult to prove. You will have to prove that you developed it as a direct result of the accident.
That is why it is vital to document medical records following the accident and obtain a diagnosis for tinnitus. You can then consult an experienced personal injury attorney to explore your legal options for pursuing compensation. If our attorneys accept your case as valid, we may refer you to a medical professional for a complete evaluation to determine the extent of your tinnitus and other conditions.
Once a doctor understands the full nature of your injury, our attorneys will evaluate the factors in your case to help you understand its potential value. The damages you may be able to seek will depend on the following factors:
- The severity of tinnitus and other injuries
- The cost of your medical treatment
- The impact of your condition on your life
- Whether your tinnitus affects your ability to work
- Whether or not you are expected to fully recover
After reviewing your situation, our attorneys at Arash Law will guide you through the next steps in your legal journey. If you have a case, we can help you file a claim so you can pursue compensation for the tinnitus-related expenses and other losses incurred in an accident.
The California Personal Injury Attorneys At Arash Law Help Tinnitus Victims
The attorneys at Arash Law have experience in personal injury claims and lawsuits around California. Our attorneys have represented accident victims who developed tinnitus due to the negligence of others and assisted them with their claims.
We may work with audiologists, otolaryngologists, otologists, neurotologists, and other medical experts in California to help clients understand their medical conditions and pursue appropriate legal actions. Schedule a free first consultation with our California personal injury attorneys at Arash Law by calling (888) 488-1391.
