A traumatic brain injury, also known as concussion or TBI, can cause damage to the bones and eardrums, displace them, or disrupt the parts of the brain that are responsible for hearing processing. One or both ears may experience a persistent ringing, buzzing or hissing sound. Some TBI patients also suffer from hyperacusis which is extreme sensitivity to sound. Injuries to the inner ear may also affect the vestibular system. This is made up of tiny fluid-filled channels that transmit signals to the brain about the position of your head. The vestibular system can be affected by dislocations that cause spatial disorientation, dizziness and difficulty in finding your feet or judging distances. If you’re in the area, come visit Pensacola’s best hearing center.
What Are Their Commonalities?
According to the CDC, between 1.6 and 3.8 million traumatic brain injury cases result each year from contact sports and other activities. Half of those injuries involve hearing loss and sudden-onset tinnitus. TBIs are particularly common in football players. In fact, up to 10% of college football players and 20% of high school football players have sustained TBIs. Falls are the most common cause of TBIs in the elderly. This is especially true if blood-thinning medications are being used.
Are hearing loss permanent?
Most cases of hearing loss due to a TBI will resolve themselves within a few months. The brain heals and auditory processing recovers. Corrective surgery is usually performed if a bone fracture has occurred. Sometimes, hearing loss due to a TBI can be permanent. This is usually the case when the cochlea has been irreparably damaged.
Treatment
Traumatic brain injuries must be immediately treated by a doctor. Imaging tests are required to determine the extent of damage due to the possibility of bleeding or hematoma in the brain. A CT or MRI scan will usually reveal if the injury is purely physical. Although neurological causes can be more difficult to diagnose, they can be detected through a thorough evaluation by an audiologist. Audiologists should be consulted immediately if you notice changes in your hearing and equilibrium after a traumatic brain injury. To help you determine your treatment options, they will run a series of tests.
Balance and hearing are essential to our ability to communicate. It is important to know the difference between cognitive disruptions and hearing loss after a TBI.
Prevention
When playing dangerous sports or engaging in recreational activities like horseback riding, cycling, skateboarding and skating, you should always wear helmets. Always wear your seatbelt while driving or riding in vehicles. To avoid losing your footing in icy conditions, keep your feet on the rails during winter. It may seem simple, but be cautious when you enter or exit the shower. Every year, many people fall on slippery bathroom tiles. TBI-induced hearing loss can be prevented by being proactive.
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