The impact of a car crash can cause any number of injuries to the drivers and other occupants. Some injuries may be only minor, while others, like hearing loss, are life-altering.
Learn more about hearing loss in a Texas car crash and when you may be able to recover compensation for your damages.
At Anderson & Cummings, our auto accident lawyers in Fort Worth have extensive experience helping injured victims recover compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages.
Call to discuss your legal options in a FREE case review today. (817) 920-9000
How Could a Car Crash Cause Hearing Loss?
There are multiple ways drivers and passengers suffer hearing loss after a car crash. However, often it is a secondary complication of other injuries.
Loud Noises
Car crashes are very loud. The cacophony of vehicles colliding, tires screeching and glass shattering can severely damage the sensitive hair cells in the ear that are responsible for hearing.
The impact of a crash can be incredibly loud and any amount of noise louder than 140 decibels can cause hearing loss.
Airbag Deployment
Airbags may sometimes cause hearing loss and other injuries. The noise they make when they deploy can contribute to or even cause hearing loss. According to a study by Hearing Health & Technology Matters, airbags exceed the pain threshold for noise. A passenger-side airbag deploys at about 140 dB, while a front airbag deployment is even louder, at between 168 and 170 dB. If a crash victim gets hit in the side of the head with an airbag, the sound pressure can cause permanent hearing loss in the affected ear.
Whiplash
The sudden and intense impact of a crash causes the head to move rapidly back and forward. This violent motion typically results in whiplash, a very common car crash injury. Other victims may suffer a blunt neck injury. Both of these common injuries can cause hearing loss. Victims may also suffer a temporomandibular (TMJ) injury, which can lead to complications such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo and hearing loss.
Traumatic Head Injuries (TBIs)
During a crash, drivers may hit their heads on the steering wheel, dashboard or another hard object within the vehicle. While the initial injury may be a mild to severe TBI, this motion can also cause damage to the ears or auditory system, including:
- Ruptured eardrums
- Damage to the inner ear structures (delicate hair cells, membranes and other tissue)
- Disruption of blood flow to the cochlea
- Small bone injuries, such as an avulsion fracture, in the middle ear requiring ear reconstruction surgery
- Skull fractures that may bruise or penetrate the ear canal
Left untreated, inner ear injuries can cause victims to suffer from permanent hearing loss. Even when victims do get treatment, some ear injuries may still cause permanent damage.
What Symptoms After a Car Crash May Indicate Hearing Loss?
Symptoms of hearing loss may vary after a motor vehicle accident and include:
- Muffled sounds
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears, which can be mild to severe)
- Dizziness
- Vertigo (room spinning, difficulty maintaining your balance)
- Burning or itching inside your ear canal
- Feeling of pressure or fullness inside one or both of your ears
- Ear pain
Initially, crash victims may not realize any of these symptoms are related to hearing loss. They may not even be aware they have sustained inner ear injuries. If you are in a car crash, however, and experience any of these symptoms, it is important to let your treating doctor know. Getting inner ear injuries diagnosed and treated quickly can often improve your ability to recover.
What Evidence Do I Need to Prove My Hearing Loss Was Caused By a Car Crash?
Seeking immediate medical attention can help ensure you get the treatment you need right away. It also helps to link your injuries to the car crash. Additionally, emergency rooms have the medical staff, specialists and equipment to diagnose your car crash injuries, including those causing your hearing loss. Doctor’s notes from your initial emergency room visit, as well as any follow-up care, will be documented in your medical records. This documentation can help to serve as evidence of your hearing damages.
Call to Discuss Your Situation With Our Trusted Law Firm Today
If you suffered hearing loss and other injuries in a car crash, seeking legal help can greatly benefit your claim. Having a knowledgeable attorney working to protect your interests and recover the maximum possible compensation can also give you peace of mind.
At Anderson & Cummings, we are prepared to fully investigate your crash and handle every aspect of your injury claim. We have been helping injured victims for decades, recovering millions in compensation for our clients.
Contact our law office to discuss your situation and find out if you have legal options. If we represent you, there are no upfront costs to pay. We only get paid our fees if we win compensation for you.
Experienced Lawyers. Proven Results. (817) 920-9000