If you are like most Americans, you take your ability to sit in complete silence for granted. After all, because your ears have worked perfectly for your entire life, you probably know no differently. Still, even a seemingly minor car accident may forever change your ability to hear properly.
According to the Mayo Clinic, tinnitus is a medical condition that happens when a person has ringing in one or both ears. If you have tinnitus, your symptoms may include hearing other sounds, such as buzzing or clicking, even when you are in a quiet room. Regrettably, car accidents can cause tinnitus.
How does tinnitus happen?
Tinnitus is common among older individuals, as it often is a normal part of hearing loss. Nevertheless, if you suffer an ear injury in a car accident, you also may develop the condition. The same is true if the accident causes you to sustain head or neck trauma, such as a concussion or whiplash.
Is there a cure?
Most cases of tinnitus are not curable. Fortunately, though, you probably do not have to deal with ringing in your ears for the rest of your life. After diagnosing your condition, doctors may use electronic devices to help mask unwanted noise. In some cases, surgery also helps to reduce the symptoms of tinnitus.
How much does it cost to seek treatment?
Not every tinnitus treatment works for every patient. Therefore, you may have to try a few different treatment plans. These treatments, though, can be almost unbelievably expensive.
Ultimately, to ensure you can access the treatment you need to improve your quality of life, it may be beneficial to pursue financial compensation from the driver who caused the accident.