5. Tinnitus & Hearing Loss
The trauma involved with a concussion can damage the central auditory pathways to the brain. The ears are sensitive organs, and it doesn’t take much force to injure them.
Rupture of the eardrum, dislocation of the tiny ossicle bones found in the middle ear, or ischemia of the cochlear nerve are common auditory disruptions. These injuries can make it challenging for the vestibular and auditory systems to process sounds.
Common disruptions to hearing after a concussion include the difficulty in locating the source of the sound, especially in the presence of background noise. Tinnitus is another hearing disorder, best described as a ringing in the ears, that can occur as a result of a concussion damaging the vestibular system.
Complete loss of hearing can occur in severe cases of concussion. Unfortunately, this condition is often irreversible. Others may experience a permanent reduction in their quality of hearing or tinnitus that lasts for months on end.