Tinnitus: What It Is, Why It Happens and How It’s Treated

Car accident injuries are often immediately evident. Someone might sustain a fracture or neck or back pain. But other times, symptoms of a condition might not manifest right away, or it may not be immediately obvious that a condition is related to the accident. One example of this is a condition called tinnitus. Learn what it is, what causes it and how it’s treated.

Overview of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a sound in the ears, most often described as a constant ringing. Some patients report an assortment of other sounds, such as hissing, buzzing, humming or whistling, notes Harvard Health. The effects of this condition vary from one person to the next. The sound may come from just one ear or both, could be continual or sporadic, and may or may not get progressively worse over time.

Causes of Tinnitus

This condition is most often caused by exposure to loud noise, certain medications, middle ear problems and other sources. Chronic tinnitus is a health condition in which the symptoms last longer than six months.

However, tinnitus also can develop when someone has suffered head trauma in an accident. Those who sustain a concussion or traumatic brain injury could be at risk. But even what appears to be a minor bump on the head could trigger this condition.

How Tinnitus Is Treated

There are a variety of therapies and other treatments that may help. When tinnitus stems from head trauma in an accident, it will be necessary to address this injury. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it will cure tinnitus.

As noted by the American Tinnitus Association, some examples of treatments include:

  • alternative therapies like hyperbaric oxygen or acupuncture;
  • electrical stimulation of the inner ear;
  • sound therapy;
  • cognitive behavioral therapy;
  • mindfulness-based stress reduction;
  • hearing aids;
  • biofeedback;
  • cochlear implants;
  • masking devices; and
  • drug therapy.

Proving That Tinnitus Is Related to Injuries Sustained in an Accident

It’s important to address constant ringing in the ears in a claim if it disrupts the patient’s life. The patient will need to recover medical expenses to treat it and may pursue compensation for the suffering and reduction in his or her quality of life.

This will require establishing that its onset is linked to injuries suffered in the accident. Of course, there sometimes can be challenges proving this; for instance, if the individual happens to work in a setting where there is loud noise, such as a factory, or the individual takes a medication that is known to cause tinnitus, such as tricyclic antidepressants.

The insurance company for the at-fault driver will attempt to diminish its payout as much as possible. So it’s important to seek legal counsel, particularly if there were other more serious injuries. Head injuries could result in other complications, besides tinnitus.

Importance of Seeking Medical Attention for a Head Injury and Contacting an Attorney

Not all serious head injuries are obvious. There might not have been any bruising, swelling or lacerations apparent. But when the head makes forceful contact with an object, it’s critical to get a medical exam. There could be underlying problems, some which may not be immediately evident. In fact, regardless of the accident, those involved should seek evaluation from a doctor.

But it’s just as imperative to seek legal advice. An attorney can determine if there is a case, what evidence is necessary to prove it and the types of damages that should be sought. Call D.J. Banovitz at 303-300-5060 or contact us online.

D.J. Banovitz’ career has always concentrated on trial practice and he has litigated hundreds of cases. His passion and sole career focus has been to seek justice for people suffering from personal injuries as the result of someone else’s negligence. The hallmark of the Law Office of D.J. Banovitz, is the total commitment to professionalism, quality, and personalized care of your injury case. D.J. has dedicated his professional life to helping those most in need and is a proud and active member of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association. His experience includes volunteering for Colorado Rural Legal Services in Montrose, the Colorado Aids Project, consumer law, family law, criminal defense, and Alternative Defense Counsel for juveniles in Denver.