Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries – broken bones, herniations, burns – just to name a few. In my practice, I have seen these injuries and many more. On occasion, my car accident clients will tell me they hear ringing in their ears. And, in fact, you may be asking: why are my ears ringing after my accident?
Ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus, can occur after car accidents. Importantly, tinnitus is a symptom of an injury, such as a concussion.
Frankly, it is a symptom you should never ignore or take lightly. Get medical treatment immediately.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common questions concerning ringing in your ears following a car crash.
Ringing in Ears After Car Accident
Can a car accident cause ringing in your ears?
Yes, car accidents can cause ringing in your ears. While there are several different causes, the two most common I see in my practice are the result of head trauma or airbag deployment.
Airbags can be extremely loud. In a case we recently settled, our client sustained partial hearing loss and ringing in his ears as a result of the airbag deploying in the car. Our client said the airbag was the loudest sound he had ever heard!
Additionally, impacts to the head can lead to ringing in the ears. In another recent settlement, our client was violently hit by another car causing her to hit her head on the sun roof. Shortly after the accident, she experienced, among other things, ringing in her ears for an extended time.
How long will the ringing in your ears last after a car accident?
There is no set time for how long you will experience ringing in your ears.
In my practice, clients have experienced ringing in their ears from a few weeks to over a year.
Simply put, there is no set time for how long you will experience ringing in your ears.
What should I do if I hear ringing in my ears after my car accident?
If you hear ringing in your ears after a car crash, seek medical care immediately!
Importantly, medical professionals will help determine the root cause and, hopefully, be able to provide relief.
One my clients, who had tinnitus following a car crash, was given a unique tool by his medical provider. His medical provider recommended a smart phone app that connected to his hearing aid. The app allowed him to choose various sounds to muffle or take his mind off his tinnitus. The sounds would then play in his hearing aids.
If you are reading this article because you are experiencing this condition, again seek medical help right away.
At Barthelette Law, we are proud to represent the injured. If you are experiencing ringing in your ears after a car accident, contact us right away!