Eardrum Ruptures in a Car Accident
While auto accidents can run the spectrum from mild fender benders to multi-car pileups, even minor car accidents can lead to serious injuries. It is important to consider the risk factors of a car accident so that these can be avoided when possible. People should take steps to ensure that their attention is focused solely on the road. There are severe complications that can occur in car accidents and one of these is a ruptured eardrum.
The Role of the Eardrum
The eardrum plays a vital role in the human body. When sound enters the ear canal, it strikes the eardrum. The eardrum is a thin membrane which vibrates when the sound waves hit it. As the eardrum vibrates, these vibrations are transmitted to the bones inside of the middle ear. These bones are the incus, the malleus, and the stapes. These vibrations are further transmitted through the ear to the eighth cranial nerve. This nerve sends a signal to the brain, which is ultimately interpreted as sound. If the eardrum is perforated, these vibrations are never transmitted to the rest of the ear and people can suffer hearing loss.
Mechanisms and Repairs of a Ruptured Eardrum
There are several different ways which someone could suffer a perforated or ruptured eardrum. Some of these include:
- An infection of the ear where fluid builds up behind the eardrum, eventually causing it to rupture.
- A blunt blow to the side of the head suffered in a car accident, leading to a perforated eardrum.
- A penetrating injury into the canal itself, such as metal or glass, stabbing through the eardrum.
Regardless of the mechanism, people who suffer a ruptured eardrum could sustain mild to moderate hearing loss. While some perforations could heel on their own, a large perforation could require surgical repair. A trained ENT surgeon will need to sew the eardrum back together, usually under anesthesia.
Watch YouTube Video: How to Treat a Perforated Ear Drum. The short video below explains how a perforated eardrum can be treated.
Contacting an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
When a loved one has suffered an injury in an auto accident, especially one that requires surgery, it can be helpful to meet with an experienced personal injury lawyer. An attorney has the legal training and expertise to guide families through these challenging times.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento. A ruptured eardrum can lead to hearing loss and might even require surgery to correct. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.
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Eardrum Ruptures in a Car Accident: AutoAccident.com
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