Ears Ringing After Car Accident (Tinnitus): What you Need to Know

Tinnitus is incredibly common. Around 10% of the U.S. adult population experiences tinnitus, which equates to over 25 million people. And that’s just in America. Millions more suffer around the world.

While tinnitus can occur for many reasons and at any time, some situations can trigger tinnitus, such as trauma and injuries. Car accidents, for example, can lead to issues with tinnitus.

If you are experiencing your ears ringing after a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering. At Crossen Law Firm, our Indianapolis car accident attorneys can review your claim and help you determine the next steps to recover compensation for your tinnitus.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the medical term for ringing, whistling, roaring, and even clicking in the ears. These noises are heard despite a lack of corresponding outside noises in your environment that would cause such sounds. In other words, the ringing is only heard by the person suffering from tinnitus.

For some, tinnitus is mild, causing a soft sound that can be easily ignored. However, for some, the noise is so loud that it can be unsettling and block out other sounds. In these extreme cases, tinnitus can be debilitating and lead to complications, such as difficulty sleeping, thinking, or concentrating.

Some who experience long-term tinnitus can become irritable, angry, frustrated, and even depressed.

Signs of Tinnitus After a Car Accident

Signs and symptoms of tinnitus can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue. For example, some might develop tinnitus as a result of hearing loss, whereas others might develop it due to an injury, such as a head injury, after a car accident.

Some general signs that you may be experiencing an injury causing tinnitus can include:

Ringing in the ears
Whistling or roaring in the ears
Earaches
Inner ear pain
Pressure or fullness in the ears
Jaw pain that moves up into the ears
Sore ears
Warm ears
Headaches
Itching and burning sensation in the ears
Vertigo
Balance issues
Dizziness and nausea
Muffled sounds
Hearing loss

What Causes Ringing in the Ear After a Car Accident?

Loud traumatic noises can trigger tinnitus. So if you were involved in a severe car accident, the loud sounds and trauma you experienced could temporarily cause you to experience tinnitus. However, if the tinnitus is chronic and lasting long-term, it is likely due to an injury you sustained in the accident.

For example, if you hit your head in an accident, this could lead to an injury that causes tinnitus. Ringing in the ears after airbag deployment is also common if you hit your face or head against the airbag.

Some of the most common car accident injuries that lead to tinnitus include:

Traumatic brain injuries
Whiplash
Neck and cervical injuries
Other kinds of head trauma

How Long Does Ringing in Ears Last After a Car Accident?

Acute tinnitus after a car accident generally lasts for around three to six months; however, it can vary from one person to the next. The duration of the ringing can also depend on the injury that triggered the tinnitus and how severe it is. If you have tinnitus that lasts more than six months, it is considered a chronic condition.

The longer the tinnitus lasts, the more likely it is to become aggravating. Some people are able to block it out at first, but over time, it can become hard to ignore, which can lead to sleep problems and difficulty concentrating. Some might find it so aggravating that it causes them to have mood swings and develop depression.

What Should I Do If I Have Ringing in My Ears After a Car Accident?

If you are experiencing tinnitus after a car accident, it is crucial that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Many people ignore tinnitus as they assume it’s a temporary and minor issue that will go away. But if you end up needing to file a personal injury claim for your tinnitus, it’s important that you have medical documentation showing that you sought treatment for the issue right after the car accident.

If you wait too long to seek help for the issue, it may be challenging to prove that the car accident is what caused the tinnitus. And if you cannot prove that the accident caused the tinnitus, insurance will most likely deny your claim for compensation.

As soon as you notice signs of tinnitus, go to your doctor right away. If the issue is consistent and doesn’t improve, you can ask to be referred to a specialist, such as an otolaryngologist (ENT doctor).

The more medical documentation you have showing your issues with tinnitus, the more likely you are to win your personal injury case and get the compensation you deserve for your suffering.

Beyond seeking medical attention, you should contact an attorney after the accident. Even with medical proof, it can be difficult to recover compensation for tinnitus. Insurance companies may try to downplay it as a minor issue in an effort to avoid paying you a high-value settlement. But if you work with an attorney who has experience handling these kinds of cases, they will know how to build a strong case to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

Ears Ringing After a Car Accident? Our Indiana Personal Injury Attorneys Are Here to Help

At Crossen Law Firm, our Indiana car accident lawyers have over 20 years of experience helping car accident victims win their cases. We understand how frustrating tinnitus can be after a car accident and have the skills necessary to help you prove how much you are suffering from the condition.