5 Injuries That Can Cause Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is something that people all around the world experience. It is widely believed that it is a natural circumstance of aging, but that is just a common misconception. While aging is one of the causes of hearing loss, there are also many other circumstances that can cause hearing loss, including injuries. Unfortunately, there are a variety of injuries that can cause a person to experience hearing loss, from whiplash to trauma. 

Depending on the type of injury and the severity, a person may experience different levels of hearing loss. Hearing loss can range from mild, moderate, severe or profound. The mildest form of hearing loss will involve difficulty in hearing soft sounds, while a profound hearing loss experience will involve no speech at all, and only very loud noises. 

It is always important to understand the causes of any hearing loss a person may be experiencing. This will ensure the right help and support can be sought. 

If you’re interested in learning more, here are five injuries that can cause hearing loss:

1. Whiplash 

Whiplash occurs when a person moves their head suddenly and abruptly and causes a neck injury. Due to the violent movement, it has been suggested that whiplash can also cause hearing loss. This is because the movement causes damage to the inner ear structure, such as the nerves in the brainstem or the semicircular canal. Temporomandibular disorder, also known as TMJ, can also occur from whiplash, which is known to cause hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo. 

2. Head trauma 

Any type of trauma to the head is a concern. Impact to the head that is strong enough to jolt the skull walls, can be detrimental. The skull is strong and its role is to protect the brain, but it can only do so much. While head trauma can commonly lead to symptoms such as concussion, it can also lead to a variety of hearing loss experiences. 

Depending on where the head trauma occurs, a person may seriously damage their ears and any areas related to speech and hearing. If a person experiences problems with their balance or tinnitus after head trauma, this could be a sign that the ears have been impacted. 

3. Loud noises 

Loud noises are one of the most frequent causes of hearing loss around the world. If a person is exposed to noise louder than 80dBs, which is the level of sound the human ear can safely listen to, then they risk developing hearing loss. When a person is exposed to a traumatic noise, it leaves the cells and membranes in the cochlea vulnerable to damage. The noise at 80 dB or above will need to be listened to over time, for example, when someone attends a concert on a regular basis or works with loud machinery. The hair cells in the ear will be overworked and begin to die off, and the hearing loss will progress for as long as the exposure continues. If a person is exposed to sound higher than 110dBs, this can cause profound damage within as little time as two minutes.

4. Burns and frostbite 

Hearing loss may not be the first thought when it comes to symptoms of burns and frostbite. However, if this injury is on or close to the ears, then a person may experience physical damage, which in turn, can lead to hearing loss. The ear is a sensitive and delicate area of the body and needs to be taken care of. If the pressure and swelling from burns or frostbite clog the ear canal, then a person's hearing will be impaired. If the injury is severe, this damage can be permanent in some cases. 

5. Ruptured eardrums 

A ruptured or perforated eardrum is a tear or hole in the ear that can lead to a variety of experiences such as hearing loss. This can be caused by poking the eardrum with something like a cotton bud or experiencing a blow to the ear. Depending on how big or small the hole is, a person may experience muffled sounds or difficulty hearing. A ruptured eardrum can be known by experiencing sudden hearing loss, as well as tinnitus and pain in the ear. 

If you are experiencing hearing loss, it is important to understand the cause of it. This can be helpful when seeking advice and support. If you have experienced an injury that you believe has resulted in hearing loss, you should contact an audiologist.

To learn more about Rocky Mountain Hearing & Balance and contact us by calling (801) 685-3456.