Concussion and brain injury: can they result in tinnitus?
You may be surprised to learn that tinnitus, a condition characterised by ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ear that are not externally generated, can be an outcome of a brain injury or concussion. While not everyone who experiences a concussion or brain injury will develop tinnitus, it is important to understand the relationship between the two and the impact they can have on your hearing and overall well-being.
What is concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when the head receives a sudden, violent blow. This can cause the brain to shift inside the skull, leading to damage to the delicate neural networks responsible for your hearing, balance, and other functions. The effects of a concussion can be short-lived, or they may last for several weeks or months, depending on the severity of the injury.
Tinnitus is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to loud noise, age-related hearing loss, and certain medications. When tinnitus is related to a concussion or brain injury, it is often referred to as post-traumatic tinnitus.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Concussion and brain injury can result in tinnitus in several ways. For example, when the brain experiences trauma, it can cause damage to the hair cells in the inner ear, which are responsible for detecting sound. This can result in a ringing or buzzing noise in the ear, which is known as tinnitus. Additionally, the brain may have difficulty processing sounds and signals, leading to an overactivity in the auditory pathways, which can also result in tinnitus.
Diagnosing tinnitus after a concussion or brain injury typically involves a comprehensive evaluation of your hearing, balance, and overall health. An Audiologist will likely perform a hearing test, balance assessment, and refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist for a neuro-otological examination. If your tinnitus is suspected to be a result of a brain injury or concussion, further testing such as MRI or CT scans may be recommended to assess the extent of the injury. It is also important to provide a detailed history of your injury, including the type and severity of the injury, as well as any symptoms you are experiencing.
Once the cause of your tinnitus has been determined, an Audiologist will work with you to develop a treatment plan. The goal of treatment is to help you manage your symptoms and reduce the impact that tinnitus has on your daily life. This may involve a combination of approaches, including sound therapy, counselling, and an ENT or GP may prescribe medication. Some common treatment options include:
Hearing devices - In some cases, hearing devices can help to mask or reduce the symptoms of tinnitus by providing a background sound that helps to distract from the ringing or buzzing in the ear. These can also reduce the cognitive load and improve concentration, fatigue and general emotional wellbeing.
Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) - TRT is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy that helps you to manage the symptoms of tinnitus by retraining your brain to ignore the ringing or buzzing in your ear.
Sound therapy - Sound therapy involves exposing you to sounds that are designed to help you relax, reduce stress, and cope with the symptoms of tinnitus. This can include white noise, nature sounds, or music therapy.
Medications - In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of tinnitus, including anxiety and depression.
Surgery - In some cases, surgery may be recommended to treat tinnitus caused by a concussion or brain injury. This typically involves repairing or removing any damaged structures in the inner ear or brain that are contributing to the tinnitus.
It is important to remember that tinnitus is a common outcome of concussion and brain injury and that help is available. An experienced Audiologist can work with you to diagnose and manage your tinnitus, helping you to regain control over your symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you have suffered a brain injury or concussion and are experiencing tinnitus, seek help from an Audiologist today.
If you have suffered a concussion or brain injury and are experiencing tinnitus, it is important to understand the connection between the two conditions and to seek help from an experienced Audiologist. They will work with you to develop a customised treatment plan, including the use of sound therapy, counselling, and medication if necessary, to help you manage your symptoms and reduce the impact that tinnitus has on your daily life. With the right support, you can regain control over your tinnitus and improve your quality of life.
Related reading
References
Kong, T. H., Lee, J. W., Park, Y. A., & Seo, Y. J. (2019). Clinical features of fracture versus concussion of the temporal bone after head trauma. Journal of Audiology & Otology, 23(2), 96.
Mann, L. (2021). Clinical Assessment of Tinnitus Following Concussion (Doctoral dissertation, University of Kansas).
