In 2020, 6.8% of children 17 years and younger have experienced concussion or brain injury symptoms. A concussion can occur when there has been a blow, bump, jolt or sudden movement to the head. Concussions are often associated with football players because of the heavy contact nature of the sport, but they can arise from any source, ranging from car crashes to falls.
Symptoms of a concussion may include but are not limited to:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tinnitus
- Fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Confusion or processing issues
- Amnesia surrounding the event
- Loss of consciousness
- Slurred speech
While many concussions are classified as mild, severe cases may present with trouble hearing or processing sound. There are two common reasons this symptom may arise:
- Head trauma
- Cognitive delay
Let’s look at these symptoms and what you can do if a concussion occurs.
Hearing Loss From Head Trauma
A concussion caused by a blow to the head on or near the ear can damage the inner, middle and external ear. When the hearing mechanisms of the inner ear become fractured or damaged, you are at an increased risk for hearing loss and tinnitus. If you have experienced a blow to the head, it is always wise to make an appointment with an audiologist for a hearing test.
Cognitive Delay and Poor Auditory Processing
Cognitive delay is one of the most common symptoms of a concussion, and it is often mistaken for hearing loss by a concussed individual’s loved ones. Processing information, including sound, may appear difficult or impossible following a concussion.
Difficulty understanding auditory information may present similarly to hearing loss, but a hearing test will likely reveal normal results. Instead, cognitive difficulties following a concussion are more akin to an auditory processing disorder. The ears hear sound, but when the information is sent to the brain, it is unable to be understood as information. Most cases of cognitive delay will resolve themselves following proper care, but cases that do not go away should be seen by an audiologist immediately.
Caring for a Concussed Individual
Wearing a helmet during a football game at Mill Point Park can help reduce your risk of sports-related concussions, but there is no way to ward off all sources of head injuries. Knowing how to care for a concussed individual can help minimize possible damage to their brain or ears. A couple of important care instructions to keep in mind after a concussion include:
- Avoid strenuous mental activity. Strenuous mental activity, such as taking a test or reading, can increase your healing time and prevent your brain from resting. Make sure to follow provider recommendations for resuming mentally engaging activities.
- See an audiologist. See an audiologist early on in your concussion recovery to check for temporary or lasting signs of hearing damage.
For more information on protecting your hearing health, contact Hampton Roads ENT ~ Allergy today.