Tinnitus is the medical term for the perception of a ringing or buzzing noise in the ears without an actual external sound source. People often describe the condition as a ringing, buzzing, hissing or humming noise and can be described as a symptom rather than a disease and it can be caused by a number of underlying conditions.
Causes of Tinnitus Following an Accident
Tinnitus can develop after a car accident due to several factors related to the trauma experienced during a collision.
Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jolted backward and forward in a rapid motion which can lead to tinnitus by affecting the blood flow and nerve function related to the auditory system.
A traumatic brain injury can result from a direct blow to the head or severe shaking which can lead to damage to the brain’s auditory pathways or the structures within the ear which can disrupt the normal functioning of the auditory system.
Crashes often involve loud noises, such as the sound during the deployment of airbags which can cause damage to the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss and tinnitus as the hair cells are responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals for the brain.
During rapid deceleration, a sudden change in pressure in the ear can be experienced. The pressure change can damage the eardrum or other structures in the middle and inner ear, leading to tinnitus.
Stress and particularly anxiety can heighten the perception of tinnitus, making it more noticeable as in most cases anxiety causes a heightened state of alertness which can amplify the auditory signals that cause tinnitus.
Physical damage to the ear, such as cuts, fractures, or penetrating injuries, can occur during a car accident. These can damage the outer, middle, or inner ear structures which can in turn can lead to tinnitus. Following a direct blow to the ear, damage to the eardrum, ossicles, or cochlea can occur.
Health implications and prognosis
Tinnitus is not always permanent, though it can be in many cases. Approximately 10% of the population suffer from tinnitus and there is currently no known cure for the condition.
The duration and persistence of tinnitus depend on its underlying cause, and the effectiveness of any treatment or management strategies.
The persistent noise can lead to feelings of anxiety, as the brain struggles to adapt to the ongoing sound. The chronic nature of tinnitus can result in frustration, irritability, and depression over time. The ongoing noise can heighten stress, which in turn can exacerbate the perception of tinnitus, creating a vicious cycle. Struggling to manage stress due to tinnitus can further impact an individual’s overall well-being and lead to additional health problems.
Even if sleep is achieved, the quality may be poor, leading to fatigue and a lack of restorative sleep. Poor sleep due to tinnitus can result in daytime drowsiness, reduced energy levels, and impaired concentration.
The constant internal noise can make it hard to concentrate on tasks, particularly in quiet environments or during activities that require sustained attention and therefore affect job performance, as individuals may struggle to focus, complete tasks, or participate in meetings due to the distraction of the noise. The brain’s continuous attempt to filter out the noise can increase cognitive load, leading to issues with short-term memory and the ability to process information effectively.
Tinnitus often accompanies hearing loss, making it harder to follow conversations, particularly in noisy environments. Individuals with tinnitus may withdraw from social activities due to difficulty hearing, embarrassment, or frustration, leading to isolation, loneliness and strains on personal relationships.
Activities that require quiet or concentration, such as reading, meditation, or watching television, may become less enjoyable or impossible. Tinnitus can lead individuals to abandon hobbies that they previously enjoyed due to the distraction or discomfort caused by the noise.
Chronic stress and sleep disturbances related to tinnitus can contribute to cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure. Constant tension in the neck and jaw due to stress and anxiety related to tinnitus can lead to physical discomfort and musculoskeletal problems.
What treatments are available?
Tinnitus is a challenging condition to manage and whilst there is no universal cure, various treatments and management strategies can help alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life.
A new neuromodulation approach has emerged that combines sound with electrical stimulation of somatosensory pathways. A device that delivers electrical stimulation to the tongue and sound to the ears has indicated that sound and tongue stimulation drove significant reductions in tinnitus symptom severity during the first 12 weeks of treatment which persisted for a year.
Common current treatments include white noise machinesthat produce a consistent background noise and wearable tinnitus maskers that generate soothing sounds directly into the ear or hearing aids.
Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) combined with sound therapy can reduce distress and help with coping mechanisms.
Medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication can help manage symptoms and non-medicated stress management remedies such as meditation, yoga or mindfulness can also be of assistance.
Limiting your caffeine and alcohol intake can often be effective as these substances can sometimes exacerbate tinnitus.
How can we help?
If you have been diagnosed with tinnitus, we can help. Contact us today on our freephone number 01244 312306. Alternatively, head over to our ‘Contact Us’ page, complete the form and we will be in touch.
