Unlike genetic conditions or hearing loss caused by age, damage to hearing caused by trauma is sudden, life-changing and can drastically reduce hearing range.
Whether caused by an accident or injury, the effects can be devastating to both the person with hearing loss and their family and friends. If the change is permanent, then finding ways to deal with the new way of living is a priority.
Consulting an audiologist who specialises in technologically advanced hearing aids can go a long way to getting back to the life you had before.
What are the causes of traumatic hearing loss?
Although there are other causes of hearing loss, such as infections, the following are the most common causes of trauma-induced hearing loss.
Physical damage
Physical trauma, such as a blow to the head, or auditory trauma, such as an explosion, can result in damage to the ear.
The skin of the eardrum and the small bones and structures may be ruptured, broken or otherwise lose their functionality. This can cause issues with conducting sound through the ear, which can mean a loss of hearing range.
Injury to the auditory nerve can cause hearing loss or impairment to sensory processing. This is known as sensorineural hearing loss.
Traumatic brain injuries
Head injuries resulting in a traumatic brain injury have a significant impact on cognitive functioning, whether for a short time during recovery or a permanent deficit. The brain tissue can be damaged long-term by repeated concussions or severe trauma.
It can also cause hearing impairment or loss, where even if the physical functioning of the ear is intact, the brain cannot process the information in the same way or at the same speed as before.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can have a profound impact on how a person hears and processes audio information.
Exposure to sudden and loud noises can cause an instinctive response where they react to the noise as a perceived threat. This can cause great anxiety and a negative behavioural response.
Hyperacusis is also an issue for some people with PTSD. This is where a person is hypersensitive to everyday sounds; it reduces tolerance to sound and triggers an emotional and behavioural reaction.
Ordinary sounds such as laughter, ringtones and running water can be very unpleasant and unbearable, potentially triggering a fight, flight or freeze response.
Tinnitus is another condition that can coincide with PTSD. Ringing or buzzing in the ears is sometimes a symptom for people who have had physical trauma, as well as emotional trauma.
How can hearing aids and devices help restore hearing?
An audiologist can assess the level of hearing loss and advise whether hearing devices may be suitable. They will look at the cause of the hearing loss, discuss your needs and test the range of hearing volume and pitch.
Amplification
Most hearing aids are used to amplify the sound input for users, which can be useful if the hearing loss is caused by physical trauma to the ear. It can help with being able to understand speech and locating sounds.
Reducing background noises
To assist with auditory processing, hearing aids may be used to filter out excess background noise. This allows the user to focus on what is needed without the stress and requires less cognitive processing.
For sensitivity to certain sounds, a hearing device can be adjusted to suit the environment and filter out the unwanted audio.
Reducing tinnitus
Hearing devices can help reduce the impact of tinnitus. With less distracting and distressing ringing noises and buzzing, communicating and enjoying conversation can be made easier.
Book a consultation and hearing assessment today with Otec Hearing to find out if hearing aids can improve your quality of life.