Ear Injuries and Ear Pain After a Car Accident

Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran

Ear pain after a car accident is a symptom that should never be overlooked. While more visible injuries like broken bones or lacerations require immediate medical attention, ear pain can signal underlying issues with potentially long-term consequences.

If you’ve experienced ear pain after a car accident, seek medical and legal advice to ensure you receive the care and financial compensation you deserve. Our car accident attorneys at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. can help you build a strong case, file a claim against the at-fault party, and get you a financial settlement that covers all accident-related expenses.

Why Do I Have Ear Pain After a Crash?

Car accidents are violent events that can injure various body parts, including the ears. The impact or rapid movements during a collision can exert stress on the temporal bone, jaw, and ears, leading to injuries or discomfort.

The ear is especially vulnerable to injury during car accidents due to its delicate outer, middle, and inner structures. The inner ear contains fluid-filled canals that, when jarred or damaged in a crash, can cause throbbing or sharp sensations. The impact of a collision can also lead to muscle tension in the neck and jaw, contributing to ear pain.

Causes of Ear Pain After a Car Accident: Common Ear Injuries in Collisions

Car accidents can result in various injuries, including inner or outer ear damage. The force of impact, airbag deployment, or loud noises can cause the following ear injuries:

• Abrasions and contusions. These are superficial injuries affecting the outer ear. Abrasions are scrapes that can result from the ear rubbing against surfaces during impact, while contusions are bruises that may form due to blunt force trauma to the ear.
• Lacerations. These include cuts or tears in the outer ear skin caused by broken glass, metal fragments, or other sharp objects coming into contact with the ear. Deep lacerations might damage underlying cartilage or even lead to partial ear amputation.
• Hematoma. This injury involves the collection of blood between the skin and the cartilage of the outer ear, often resulting from blunt trauma. If not treated promptly, a hematoma can lead to complications like cauliflower ear, where the ear becomes permanently deformed.
• Perforated eardrum. The eardrum, or tympanic membrane, can rupture or tear due to pressure changes or direct trauma during an auto accident. Symptoms may include pain, hearing loss, and discharge. Perforation can lead to chronic problems if untreated.
• Inner ear damage. Trauma or rapid pressure changes can damage delicate structures within the inner ear, such as the cochlea or semicircular canals. This can result in dizziness and hearing loss.
• Acoustic trauma. This injury is caused by exposure to a sudden and loud noise, like an airbag deployment. Loud noise can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss due to damage to the inner ear structures.
• Dislocation of the ossicles. The ossicles are tiny bones in the middle ear that help transmit sound. A powerful impact can dislocate these bones, leading to hearing difficulties. Medical intervention is typically required to address this issue.
• Temporal bone fracture. The temporal bone houses parts of the ear. A fracture in this region, resulting from a severe impact, can cause complications ranging from facial nerve damage to cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorrhea. This is a leakage of clear, watery cerebrospinal fluid from the ear. It can occur when the base of the skull is fractured, allowing brain fluid to flow out of the ear canal. This type of injury can indicate a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and requires immediate medical attention.
• Hemotympanum. This refers to the blood behind the eardrum in the middle ear space. A skull fracture near the base or severe head trauma can cause it. While blood in the middle ear doesn’t always indicate brain injury, it’s a sign of significant trauma, such as a severe TBI.

Why Your Ears May Ring After an Accident

After an accident, you might notice your ears ringing, a condition often referred to as tinnitus. This can happen for several reasons:

• Direct trauma to the head or ears. A blow to the head can damage the inner ear’s hair cells or auditory nerves, disrupting sound transmission and causing ringing.
• Loud noise exposure. Sudden, intense noises from a crash can overstimulate the auditory system, leading to temporary or long-lasting ringing due to acoustic trauma.
• Stress and anxiety. The psychological impact of an accident can heighten your sensitivity to bodily sensations, including auditory ones, causing the brain to perceive ringing.
• Neck and jaw injuries. Damage to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the lower jaw to the skull, can impact auditory function by altering ear canal pressure or straining auditory nerves, potentially leading to tinnitus.

About Tinnitus

Tinnitus, often experienced as ringing or buzzing in the ears, can frequently emerge after car accidents, particularly due to airbag deployment. The sudden and extremely loud sound of an inflating airbag can cause immediate hearing loss, contributing to the development of tinnitus.

According to a study on otologic trauma after airbag deployment, a driver-side airbag can generate a mean peak sound pressure level (SPL) of 160 dB, and dual airbags can create a mean peak SPL of 170 dB. The noise level associated with motor vehicle accidents is around 140 dB, the pain threshold for noise exposure.

In the study, 70 cases showed symptoms such as tinnitus, aural fullness, and vertigo after airbag deployment. For those that underwent an audiogram, 50 patients had post-airbag deployment hearing loss at various frequencies.

What Causes Tinnitus in Car Accidents?

Trauma to the bones in the ear, neck, or skull area in an auto collision can result in ringing and difficulty hearing. The impact of the crash, rapid head movements, and airbag deployment can also damage the bones and cause auditory issues.

• Blunt trauma. Direct injuries to the ear or head during a car accident can damage the auditory system. For instance, striking the side window or being hit by debris can impact the ear, leading to potential hearing issues like tinnitus.
• Whiplash. The rapid back-and-forth motion of the head during an accident can strain the muscles and ligaments in the neck, resulting in a cervical spine injury. This can indirectly affect auditory function, leading to tinnitus.
• Barotrauma. Sudden changes in pressure caused by an airbag deployment can affect the pressure equilibrium in the ear, potentially damaging the middle ear and causing tinnitus.
• Stress-induced tinnitus. Intense stress and anxiety following an accident can trigger or worsen tinnitus, as the body’s heightened stress response can affect auditory processing.

TMJ Disorders: Potential Disorders After Whiplash Car Accident

Whiplash from a car accident can cause a variety of complications, one of which is TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders. This joint connects your jaw to the skull, allowing for a broad range of motions necessary for talking, biting, and chewing. TMJ symptoms that can occur in a collision include:

• Dislocation of the TMJ. This occurs when the joint that connects the jaw to the skull is disrupted, causing severe jaw and ear pain.
• Arthritis of the TMJ. Resulting from trauma, this condition can cause tenderness in the jaw, inflammation, and a decrease in the jaw’s ability to perform biting or chewing motions effectively.
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome. This involves pain in the jaw muscles that control jaw movement, affecting biting or chewing functions.
• Internal Derangement of the TMJ. This disorder includes a displaced disc within the TMJ, leading to jaw and ear pain, tenderness, and sometimes a locking sensation restricting normal jaw movement.

Why You Should Seek Medical Care for Ear Pain After a Car Accident

Ear pain after a car accident may seem minor compared to other injuries, like a head injury or whiplash, but it can be a sign of more serious underlying problems. Ignoring an earache after a car accident can lead to long-term complications and a severe impact on your quality of life:

• Risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Ear pain can indicate a serious TBI caused by a skull fracture. TBIs can result in cognitive dysfunction, memory problems, and altered consciousness might arise immediately, with potential long-term persistent cognitive issues, mood disorders, and reduced quality of life.
• Potential for permanent hearing loss. Untreated injuries, like a ruptured eardrum or damaged inner ear structures, can result in long-term or permanent hearing impairment. This could immediately make communication difficult and reduce awareness of surroundings, leading to potential social isolation and challenges in work environments.
• Possible inner ear damage. The inner ear contains structures responsible for both hearing and balance. Damage can lead to symptoms like vertigo, tinnitus, and dizziness. If untreated, it might result in chronic balance issues and constant ringing in the ears.
• Chance of developing infections. A perforated eardrum or open lacerations can become gateways for bacteria, leading to infections that can spread to the middle or inner ear. This can cause acute pain and hearing problems and, if not treated properly, can lead to chronic infections and further hearing loss.

Immediate Steps To Take if You Experience Ear Pain After a Car Accident

If you are dealing with ear pain after a car crash, take immediate action to protect your health and future legal claims. Here are the steps to follow:

• Seek medical attention. If you experience ear pain after a car accident, get checked by a physician as soon as possible. They can use diagnostic tests like CT scans or MRIs to determine the nature and extent of the injury and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

  Receiving medical care also provides you with documentation that links the car accident to your injuries, which can be crucial for filing a compensation claim.

• Document your symptoms. Create a daily log noting the severity of your ear pain, hearing changes, tinnitus, dizziness, or drainage. This documentation can be useful for treatment and insurance claims.
• Preserve evidence. Take photographs of visible injuries, such as bruising, swelling, or cuts around the ear. Keep a record of all documentation related to medical treatment, including evidence of medical appointments, prescriptions, and surgeries or therapies related to the ear injury.
• Follow medical advice. Not following your doctor’s orders can be used against you when you file for compensation. Ensure you attend all follow-up appointments and strictly adhere to prescribed treatments or therapies to facilitate a smooth recovery.
• Inform your insurance company. Report the accident and your ear injury to your insurance provider, but avoid giving extensive statements until you’re clear about the extent of your injuries and any long-term implications. It’s best to consult with an experienced attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters.
• Be aware of worsening symptoms. If you notice increased pain, sudden hearing loss, or other concerning symptoms, consult your medical professional immediately.

When To Contact an Attorney for Ear Pain After a Car Accident

Experiencing ear pain after a car accident can leave you with long-term consequences, impacting your daily functioning, work capability, and quality of life. These injuries also result in costly medical bills and loss of earning capacity.

If you are injured in a vehicle collision, contact a skilled attorney to protect your rights and help you understand your legal options. A car accident attorney at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. can provide the guidance you need to help you take the proper legal steps after a crash.

We will thoroughly analyze your case to determine the extent of your injuries and identify the responsible party. This enables us to pursue a fair settlement from the liable party, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

What Types of Compensation Can You Receive for Ear Injuries?

Our attorneys can help you pursue all avenues of compensation after a car accident, including personal injury protection (PIP) insurance benefits and damages in a third-party tort claim.

In Michigan, no-fault insurance, or PIP insurance, is designed to cover accident-related medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault. This means you’re entitled to certain benefits even if you caused the accident. Coverage typically includes medical costs and a percentage of lost wages for up to three years. We can help you file for your PIP benefits after a crash, ensuring you receive what’s owed under your policy.

However, Michigan’s no-fault insurance may not cover all losses in severe cases. If your injuries meet the serious injury threshold — which means they result in significant impairment or permanent disfigurement — you may be able to file a third-party tort claim.

Our legal team, including senior partner Eileen Kroll, who is also a registered nurse, will review your medical records to determine if your injuries meet the necessary threshold. If they do, we can assist you in pursuing the following damages for your ear injury through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit:

• Economic damages. This covers financial losses related to your ear injuries. It can include the cost of surgeries, hearing devices, rehabilitation, lost wages if you cannot perform your job, and projected medical expenses.
• Non-economic damages. These offer compensation for the intangible losses related to your ear injuries. This can include the emotional toll of coping with hearing loss, the consistent discomfort of conditions like tinnitus, and the general decline in life enjoyment due to auditory issues.

How Much Compensation Can You Get for Tinnitus and Hearing Loss?

Your potential settlement for tinnitus and hearing loss depends on the specific injuries and their impact on your life. To determine your compensation, we will evaluate aspects including:

• Severity of hearing loss. We assess the degree of your hearing impairment and how it impacts your daily life.
• Impact on quality of life. We consider how tinnitus and hearing loss affect your ability to work, socialize, and perform everyday activities.
• Medical expenses. We review the costs of past and future medical treatments, including hearing aids, therapies, and doctor visits.
• Lost wages. We calculate any income you have lost due to your inability to work. We also include potential future earnings if the ear injuries prevented you from returning to work in the same capacity.
• Pain and suffering. We factor in the emotional and physical distress caused by your condition.
• Duration of the condition. We examine how long you have been experiencing tinnitus and hearing loss and the prognosis for your condition.

How To Prove a Negligent Driver Caused Your Ear Pain After a Car Accident

Proving that a negligent driver caused your ear pain after a car accident is essential for a successful personal injury claim. While medical evaluations confirm your injuries, your attorney must help you establish a direct link between the accident and your ear pain with factual evidence. Here’s how your car accident lawyer can prove negligence to support your claim:

• Witness testimonies. Accounts from bystanders or other drivers can validate your version of events and support the negligence claim. Witnesses can offer a third-party perspective, describing the driver’s behavior contributing to the accident, such as speeding, running a red light, or aggressive driving.
• Expert medical opinions. Specialists can attest to the nature of your ear injury and its correlation to the accident’s impact on your life. An otolaryngologist or audiologist can provide a detailed analysis, explaining how the trauma resulted in your ear pain or related complications.
• Accident reconstruction. Professionals can recreate the scene to show how the other driver’s actions led to your injuries. This technical breakdown can visually demonstrate the sequence of events, highlighting any negligence on the driver’s part.
• Video or photo evidence. Surveillance cameras or dashcam footage can provide irrefutable proof of the negligent act. These visual recordings can be pivotal, capturing the moment of impact and the circumstances leading up to it.
• Police reports. Law enforcement’s account can offer details on violations or reckless behaviors leading to the accident. Officers often note that if a driver is speeding, intoxicated, or violating any traffic rules, it can strengthen your negligence claim.

Get a Fair Settlement With Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C.

Recovering from injuries after a car collision is a difficult journey. Getting fair compensation can help you pay for the medical care and other losses you suffered due to someone else’s negligent actions.

Our skilled attorneys at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. are dedicated to fighting for your rights and helping you receive a settlement that covers the full cost of your damages. Let our compassionate lawyers advocate for your best interests – contact us for a free consultation to understand how you can receive compensation for ear pain after a car accident.

Our contingency fee basis means we only get paid if we win your case, so there is no financial risk to you to get started. Call our law firm today at 1-866-MICH-LAW and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.

Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.