How Head Injuries Impact Hearing And Balance

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You’re probably aware that head injuries are a potentially serious consequence of car accidents, contact sports, and accidental falls. But did you know that they also pose a risk to hearing and balance? Read on to find out more.

The force of a traumatic brain injury (also known as a TBI, concussion, or head injury) can damage or displace the delicate bones of the inner ear, rupture the eardrum, and disrupt parts of the brain responsible for auditory processing. A persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound may occur in one or both ears, and some TBI patients also report hyperacusis, which is an extreme sensitivity to sound. Additionally, injuries to the inner ear can impact the vestibular system, which is made up of tiny fluid-filled canals that send signals about your head’s position to the brain. Dislodging parts of the vestibular system leads to spatial disorientation, dizziness, difficulty in finding footing or judging distances, and a feeling that you or your surroundings are in motion.  

HOW COMMON ARE THEY?

The CDC estimates that 1.6 million traumatic brain injuries each year result from contact sports, car collisions, and recreational activities. Of those injuries, up to 50% involve hearing loss or sudden-onset tinnitus. TBIs are especially common among football players, with up to 10% of all college players and 20% of all high school players sustaining TBIs during any given year. In the elderly, falls are the leading cause of TBIs, which can be especially serious when blood-thinning medications are in use.  

IS THE HEARING LOSS PERMANENT?

Fortunately, most cases of hearing loss resulting from a TBI resolve on their own within a few months. As the brain heals, auditory processing will recover. If a bone fracture or displacement has occurred, corrective surgery will usually fix the problem. Occasionally, hearing loss from a TBI is permanent, such as when the cochlea is irreparably damaged, but this is rare.  

TREATMENT

A traumatic brain injury must be treated by a physician right away. Because of the risk of hematoma, or bleeding in the brain, imaging tests are necessary to assess the extent of the damage. If the injury to the ear is physical, this will often be apparent following a CT or MRI scan. Neurological causes are a bit harder to diagnose but can be identified through a critical evaluation by an audiologist. If you have been impacted by a traumatic brain injury and notice any changes in your hearing or equilibrium, make an appointment with an audiologist as soon as possible. They will perform a series of tests to assist in determining your treatment options. Because hearing and balance are so integral to our ability to communicate, it is important to distinguish between hearing loss and cognitive disruptions following a TBI.  

PREVENTION

To prevent TBIs, always wear helmets or other protective headgear when playing potentially hazardous sports and engaging in recreational activities such as cycling, skateboarding, and horseback riding. While driving or riding in a vehicle, always wear your seatbelt. During the winter, hold on to railings and step carefully in icy conditions to avoid losing your footing. And as simple as it may sound, be careful when entering or exiting the shower. Many people slip and fall on slick bathroom tiles every year. Prevention is always going to be the best defense against TBI-induced hearing loss. If you or someone you know has suffered a head injury and is experiencing hearing difficulties, please contact our caring team today!

Schedule Your Hearing Assessment

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.

To schedule an appointment, refer a patient, or ask a question, call us at (512) 398-4000 or fill out the form below.

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Rose Mary Cruz
Rose Mary Cruz
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Very nice people , professional and very courteous.!!!
Sissy Taylor
Sissy Taylor
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Dr Sandy and her team are wonderful! Always smile and helpful. Great attitude and I am happy to be a patient!
wanda taylor
wanda taylor
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The staff were friendly and efficient. The audiologist, Sandy Schick was friendly, informative and took her time explaining what was going to happen and then the results. She explained the differences (pros and cons) in the options of hearing aids I had to select from without trying to "sell me" a particular one. I very much appreciated that. The cost was very reasonable.
Frank Wallace
Frank Wallace
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Great Dr. And Staff. Seen very close to appointment time. Less than 5-10 minute wait.
Travis McDonald
Travis McDonald
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Great staff. One of the best things I ever did was to select Longhorn Hearing for my hearing aids.
Jeff Skog
Jeff Skog
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Bimmer Audi
Bimmer Audi
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The staff is courteous and knowledgeable. The audiologist is top-notch. I would recommend this location to anyone.
Jeffrey Withers
Jeffrey Withers
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Very professional with Texas charm.
ED Greer
ED Greer
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DR Schick is an excellent audiologist and friendly. I will refer anyone to her who needs help with hearing. Her staff is the same way too.
Mike Vaughan
Mike Vaughan
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I always have a great experience at Longhorn Hearing. The staff is professional, caring and friendly. The service is outstanding. They have made my hearing aid journey simple, comfortable and complete. I highly recommend Longhorn Hearing.
Jan Holcomb
Jan Holcomb
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a b
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Absolutely AMAZING experience with Dr. Sandy and the entire staff. After suffering a TBI, I learned I would need hearing aids to assist me “thru life” going forward. Dr. Sandy listened to my concerns, and was able to make suggestions based on my needs. From the moment I stepped in the office to the moment I left my most recent appointment, I have nothing but incredible things to say. So very happy I chose Longhorn Hearing to help me with my hearing aid journey. Thanks so much, Dr. Sandy & team! Heidi B.
Scott Sherwood
Scott Sherwood
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Great to work with in helping me with my hearing issues.
Prude Llanos
Prude Llanos
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Dr.Sandy and her team are awesome. Very friendly,down to earth staff.Most professional audiologist I have ever met. Glad to have them in Lockhart.
Brian Baldwin
Brian Baldwin
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Robin Hart
Robin Hart
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Good atmosphere. Got help with the hearing aid that wasn’t working right.
Tom Woodruff
Tom Woodruff
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Friendly, qualified staff! Dr. Sandy heads up a very good team!
Robert Ogborn
Robert Ogborn
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Dr Schick and all the staff were very customer friendly and very knowledgeable about all my hearing needs and to the time to explain in detail. Which made it easier to take care of all my needs. Lockhart is lucky to have them in town. I would recommend them to family and friends.
Gary Dickenson
Gary Dickenson
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Very friendly and professional. Great experience
Carol Hanna
Carol Hanna
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Puppy ate end of hearing aid and sandy repaired while I cooled my heels. Wow.
Danny Eichholtz
Danny Eichholtz
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Outstanding care and service with a very friendly staff.
Elizabeth Raxter
Elizabeth Raxter
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Dr. Schick-Velasquez and her staff are always helpful and professional. I'm very glad we have them in town.
Google User
Google User
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Great care - won't go anywhere else for our hearing needs.
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