Ringing ears after a crash: get your hearing checked
What an audiologist and an ear, nose and throat doctor say about tinnitus
Tinnitus is ringing, buzzing, hissing or roaring that you hear when no outside sound is there. It can begin after the loud bang of an airbag, a head or neck injury or an injury to the ear. Tinnitus can come with hearing loss. You might not notice that loss during everyday conversation, though. The first step is to find out if your hearing changed and whether there’s an ear problem that can be treated. [1, 2]
Describe the sound in detail
Say whether you hear it in one ear or both and whether it’s constant or comes and goes. Note if it pulses in time with your heartbeat. Mention muffled hearing, dizziness, ear pain, drainage and the noise of the airbag. An audiologist, a hearing specialist, can test your hearing. An ear specialist can examine your ear and decide whether you need other tests. Bring a list of your medicines, since some can make tinnitus worse. [1]
Watch for sudden hearing loss
If your hearing drops suddenly in one or both ears, get urgent medical care. Do this even if the ringing seems like the bigger problem. Quick testing and treatment can make a difference. A sound that follows your heartbeat also needs a medical check. So does ringing that comes with new nerve or brain symptoms. Tell your doctor about the crash instead of treating the ringing on its own. [1, 3]
Make the ringing easier to live with
If tinnitus lingers after your checkup, ask what can help. Hearing aids are one option when hearing loss is present. Others include background sound for sleep and counseling that can ease distress. Steer clear of loud noise that could do more damage. At the same time, don’t force yourself to sit in total silence. Track whether your sleep, focus or mood is affected, since those problems can be treated too. [1]
What to ask about your hearing
- Has a formal hearing test shown a change?
- Is the sound pulsing, or is it mostly in one ear?
- What should I try first to help with sleep and focus?
Schedule a hearing test and keep notes
Set up a hearing evaluation. Write down when the ringing started and how it affects your day. [1]
Sources and further reading
- 1National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders tinnitus
- 2National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders noise hearing loss
- 3ENT Health sudden hearing loss
This general information reflects the views of audiologists and ear, nose and throat doctors. Sudden hearing loss, with or without ringing, needs an urgent medical exam. Don’t assume every sound you notice after a crash will fade.
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