A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury resulting from a sudden jolt or blow to the head or body. This forceful movement causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull, temporarily altering normal brain function. While concussions are often not life-threatening, their effects can be significant and may last for days, weeks, or even longer.
Ear Ringing as a Concussion Symptom
Ear ringing, medically known as tinnitus, can be a symptom after a concussion. This auditory sensation is common following a head injury. Tinnitus can manifest as various phantom sounds, including ringing, buzzing, hissing, whooshing, or humming.
The presence of tinnitus after a concussion indicates that the brain’s processing of sound or the auditory system itself has been affected. Concussion-related tinnitus is often temporary, resolving as the brain heals.
The Link Between Head Trauma and Tinnitus
The connection between head trauma and tinnitus involves several potential mechanisms within the auditory system and the brain. A concussion’s force can directly impact inner ear structures, such as the tiny hair cells responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals, leading to the perception of phantom sounds. Additionally, the sudden movement of the brain can disrupt auditory pathways, including the auditory nerve or brain regions processing sound. Impaired blood flow to these areas or inflammation from the injury can also contribute to temporary auditory disturbances.
Recognizing Other Concussion Signs and When to Seek Care
Beyond ear ringing, concussions can present with a variety of other symptoms affecting physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep functions. Physical symptoms commonly include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred or double vision, sensitivity to light or noise, balance problems, or fatigue. Cognitive changes can involve confusion, feeling “foggy,” difficulty concentrating, or memory problems. Emotionally, a person might exhibit irritability, mood swings, or increased anxiety. Sleep patterns can also be disrupted, leading to increased drowsiness or difficulty sleeping.
It is important to seek medical attention if a concussion is suspected, especially if certain “red flag” symptoms appear. These signs suggest a more serious brain injury and warrant immediate emergency care. Urgent symptoms include a worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizures, loss of consciousness (even briefly), slurred speech, increasing confusion, unequal pupil sizes, weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, or clear fluid draining from the nose or ears. Monitoring for these signs is crucial in the hours and days following a head injury.