Brain Injury and the Affect on The Ear - By: Alan Haburchak

Because the inner ear is directly connected to the central nervous system in humans, it may not be surprising that hearing problems are common after a traumatic brain injury. Tinnitus, a ringing, roaring or buzzing in the ears, and hearing loss are two of the most widely reported side effects of a TBI. Other hearing-related problems that can stem from brain damage include hyperacusis, in which normal situations seem unbearably loud; difficulty filtering one set of sounds from background noise, such as a conversation in a crowded restaurant; or auditory agnosia (also called pure word deafness), in which the patient is simply unable to recognize the meanings of certain sounds.

Ear Structure and Traumatic Brain Injury

Damage to the ear itself during a traumatic brain injury can cause hearing problems. Head trauma can cause the inner ear's membranes to become damaged and rupture. The cochlea, an important spiral-shaped bone inside the ear, may be concussed by a strong blow, causing hearing damage when supporting membranes are torn; patients with cochlear concussions often develop vertigo as well. Perilymphatic fistula is another membrane that can be damaged causing not only hearing loss but nausea and vertigo are symptoms of this as well. Surgery may help to correct this type of damage.

Doctors agree that damage to the central nervous system also plays a major role in TBI-related hearing problems, especially those with a cognitive basis. A study that was recently conducted found that individuals with traumatic brain injury complained of hearing problems and had actual hearing loss compared to those individuals not suffering from TBI and complaining of hearing problems. A German study found that for individuals with concussions had hearing problems years after the trauma occurred.

Brain Injury-Related Hearing Loss Takes Toll on Everyday Life

Because hearing loss limits or takes away one of the primary tools humans use to communicate, it has the potential to complicate many of the other side effects of brain damage, particularly cognitive and social problems. Several patients of brain injury incidents are often already suffering from debilitating communication skills. And inappropriate behaviors are only exacerbated if the patient genuinely cannot hear what is going on.

If You Suffer From TBI-Related Hearing Problems

Some hearing problems disappear a few weeks after the accident that led to the patient's brain damage, but others are lifelong afflictions. Often after a brain injury, the hearing problems go unnoticed by victims until an audiologist or other doctor's diagnosis. It is advised by the National Institues of Health that individuals with brain injury contact an audiologist whether they are complaining of hearing loss or hearing probelms. To better understand the potential of your TBI lawsuit and to determine potential compensation it is advisable to contact a brain injury lawyer.

About the Author

LegalView, the most resourceful site for everything legal on the Internet, offers information on its mesothelioma blog at http://mesothelioma.legalview.com/blog, as well as how to locate a Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis law firm. Visit http://www.LegalView.com for more legal information.

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