Causes of Hearing Loss After a Severe Head Injury
The impact of a blow to the head can damage delicate structures in the ear or disrupt the pathway that transmits sound to the brain, leading to a variety of hearing problems. Here's a breakdown of some common causes of hearing loss after a serious head injury:
- Damage to the middle ear. The force of the impact can rupture the eardrum or dislocate the tiny bones that transmit sound vibrations.
- Inner ear damage. The inner ear houses the cochlea, a snail-shaped organ containing hair cells that convert sound waves into electrical signals. A head injury can damage these hair cells, resulting in hearing loss.
- Auditory nerve injury. The auditory nerve carries these electrical signals from the inner ear to the brain. Trauma can sever or damage this nerve, causing hearing loss.
- Brain damage. In some cases, the parts of the brain responsible for processing sound are affected by the head injury, leading to difficulty interpreting the electrical signals even if the ear itself functions properly.
Is Hearing Loss After an Accident Permanent?
While some hearing loss after a head injury can be temporary, other forms may be permanent, depending on the type and severity of the damage. For instance, the body can naturally heal a perforated eardrum, reabsorb excess fluid, and resolve minor bruising. This typically takes weeks to months, and hearing should gradually return to normal.
However, a more severe injury to the auditory processing centers in the brain can lead to permanent difficulties in interpreting sound signals, even if the ears themselves function normally. Also, the greater the force of the impact, the higher the chance of permanent damage.
Types of Accidents Leading to Hearing Loss
Accidents that lead to hearing loss are varied:
- Workplace incidents, particularly in industries with high noise levels like construction or manufacturing, are common culprits. Employees might suffer from hearing damage due to long-term exposure to loud machinery or from sudden, traumatic events such as explosions.
- Car crashes can also result in auditory impairment, whether from the noise of the collision itself or head injuries that affect the ear structures.
- Exposure to loud noises during recreational activities without proper ear protection can lead to hearing loss, making it a personal injury concern across multiple scenarios.
It's not just the loudness of the noise that can cause hearing loss; the duration of exposure is equally important. Even relatively moderate noise levels can lead to hearing damage if experienced over a prolonged period.
Calculating Damages for Hearing Loss Claims
Head injuries that cause hearing loss can significantly impact a person's life, leading to both financial strain and a diminished quality of life. A successful claim for head injury-related hearing loss can compensate the victim for these damages.
Economic damages refer to the quantifiable financial losses resulting from the injury. In this case, it would include medical bills for doctor visits, audiologist appointments, hearing aids, and any surgeries required. Lost wages due to missed work or reduced earning capacity due to hearing loss would also be included. Future medical expenses and the cost of potential hearing aid replacements should be factored in as well.
Non-economic damages encompass the broader impact the hearing loss has on the person's daily life. This can include pain and suffering, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo, and emotional distress. These damages are more subjective but can be substantiated through testimony from the person, friends, family, and potentially a mental health professional.
Difficulty communicating, social isolation, and limitations on hobbies and activities can all be claimed as non-economic damages. The loss of enjoyment of life due to the hearing loss is also compensable.
Get Experienced Legal Counsel
If you or a loved one have experienced hearing loss due to an accident, it's important to understand your legal rights and the steps you can take to secure the compensation you deserve. The Law Offices of Charles R. Gueli is dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of personal injury claims with compassion.
Benefit from our decades of experience. Contact us today to learn how we can assist with your case. Call (516) 628-6402.