Can Concussions Cause Hearing Loss?
Unfortunately, all contact sports run the risk of players getting injured. One common injury is a concussion that can affect the functioning of the brain. Besides dizziness, loss of consciousness, fatigue, and vomiting, there are other unhealthy symptoms. In some cases, concussions can even cause hearing loss.
How Does a Concussion Happen?
A concussion occurs from three main activities. First, it can be the result of an immediate blow to the body that causes the head to move back and forth very quickly. Second, a sudden deceleration or acceleration of the head may happen. This is common during a car accident. In other cases, a simple fall can cause the brain to jolt against the inner walls of the skull. Whenever you experience one of these situations, you should get immediate medical help. There is always the possibility that bleeding may start to happen in the brain, which can be fatal.
While concussions aren't often life-threatening injuries, they can lead to hearing loss. This happens because of excessive damage to the bones in the middle or inner ear. These parts are responsible for the brain's ability to process sound. Because of this, it's no surprise that hearing loss may be a symptom of a concussion.
How is a Concussion Diagnosed?
When you notice symptoms of a concussion, you'll need a diagnosis from a doctor. They will use various imaging tests to determine if there is any bleeding inside the skull. These can include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized cranial tomography (CT). They will proceed to use cognitive testing to determine your ability to think. Last of all, they will use an observation test. The doctor that is examining your brain injury will then be able to diagnose the severity.
How to Determine if Concussion Hearing Loss is Temporary?
You should get help from a hearing care professional to determine the cause of your hearing loss. They will check the brain scans that you underwent to determine the root cause of your hearing loss. In most cases, you can restore the auditory processing of your brain with rest and recovery.
In some cases, you may have fractured a bone in the inner ear or completely broken it. This may need corrective surgery to completely fix the issue. It can give most people dealing with a concussion peace of mind that most hearing loss is temporary. In some severe cases where there is cochlea damage, restoring hearing may not be possible. But, these cases do seem to be quite rare.
Call Us Today
If you're experiencing hearing loss due to a concussion, then it's time to contact us. Let our helpful hearing care professionals help you today. We can determine the cause and treatment for your hearing issues.
