Brain Injury and the Affect on The Ear

Hearing problems often occur as a result of traumatic brain injury (TBI) accidents. If there is blunt trauma to the skull, the inner ear can be affected, especially tinnitus, which is a ringing in the ears. Hearing loss or hearing damage can occur anywhere from weeks to years after TBI happens.

Ear Structure and Traumatic Brain Injury

Damage to the ear itself during a traumatic brain injury can cause hearing problems. The inner ear is made of a series of small and delicate membranes and body parts, which can rupture during head trauma. The cochlea, an important spiral-shaped bone inside the ear, may be concussed by a strong blow, causing hearing damage when supporting membranes are torn; patients with cochlear concussions often develop vertigo as well. Perilymphatic fistula is another membrane that can be damaged causing not only hearing loss but nausea and vertigo are symptoms of this as well. Surgery may help to correct this type of damage.

Doctors agree that damage to the central nervous system also plays a major role in TBI-related hearing problems, especially those with a cognitive basis. A study that was recently conducted found that individuals with traumatic brain injury complained of hearing problems and had actual hearing loss compared to those individuals not suffering from TBI and complaining of hearing problems. A German study found that for individuals with concussions had hearing problems years after the trauma occurred.

Brain Injury-Related Hearing Loss Takes Toll on Everyday Life

Because hearing loss limits or takes away one of the primary tools humans use to communicate, it has the potential to complicate many of the other side effects of brain damage, particularly cognitive and social problems. Several patients of brain injury incidents are often already suffering from debilitating communication skills. And inappropriate behaviors are only exacerbated if the patient genuinely cannot hear what is going on.

If You Suffer From TBI-Related Hearing Problems

Some hearing problems disappear a few weeks after the accident that led to the patient's brain damage, but others are lifelong afflictions. Often after a brain injury, the hearing problems go unnoticed by victims until an audiologist or other doctor's diagnosis. It is advised by the National Institues of Health that individuals with brain injury contact an audiologist whether they are complaining of hearing loss or hearing probelms. To better understand the potential of your TBI lawsuit and to determine potential compensation it is advisable to contact a brain injury lawyer.

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