Ringing in Ear After Car Accident

Tinnitus is a condition that causes permanent ringing in one’s ears. It can be a delayed symptom that appears “out of the blue” after some time from the incident that caused the injury in the first place. This is why tinnitus is sometimes hard to diagnose correctly and can make car accident claims more challenging. 

If you were involved in a car crash, as minor as it may seem, and you are experiencing ringing in your ears, it’s very important to see a doctor about it. Getting a medical check-up is paramount for all the persons involved in the crash, even if they leave the scene feeling fine. Trauma can sometimes be invisible and undetected until it’s a lot more serious.

Possible Causes of Tinnitus

Here are some of the injuries that can cause tinnitus. 

TBI

One of the most serious injuries that can cause tinnitus is trauma to the brain. A concussion has many potential symptoms, depending on the area of the brain that’s affected by the hematoma. Some victims lose their senses, others experience mood swings, while for some, their ears will start ringing. 

Whiplash

When a car crashes, the forces involved are so strong that your head jerks rapidly back and forth, causing damage to the soft tissue in your neck. This can mean nerve or muscle damage that connects to other symptoms: hypoxia, dizziness, nausea, tinnitus, migraines, etc. 

Internal Ear Damage

Victims of car accidents can often be exposed to very loud noises, like the one made by a deploying airbag. The noise can be damaging to one’s eardrum or cause tinnitus by hitting the head with enough force, causing TBI or other head trauma. 

Always See a Doctor After a Car Crash

As you can see, tinnitus can be a result of many different types of trauma. A proper diagnosis is done by examining all other factors that can contribute to the condition, and correlating other symptoms with it. 

If your ears ring and you start noticing other unusual signs, like difficulty breathing, nausea and dizziness, confusion, fatigue, altered senses or mood, get medical attention as soon as possible. Delaying it will not only put you in danger in case you do have a serious injury, but it will also affect your car accident claim if you expect your damages to be paid by the driver at fault. 

Compensation for Tinnitus After a Car Crash

From a legal point of view, tinnitus can be included in your car accident claim and should be presented in your reports, as it shows the extent of your injuries. Because it can cause great discomfort, trouble sleeping, and stress, you can also add them as side effects of your injuries.

If you have been in a car accident in Missouri and your ears ring, get in touch with a St. Louis car accident lawyer and start building your car accident case right away. 

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