Tinnitus, often described as a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or roaring sound, is the perception of noise when no external sound is present. This internal sound varies in pitch and loudness, occurring in one ear, both ears, or within the head. Following a head injury, such as a concussion, experiencing tinnitus is a common symptom.
The Link Between Concussion and Tinnitus
A concussion represents a mild traumatic brain injury resulting from a head impact or rapid brain movement. This impact can cause the brain to move forcefully, disrupting normal brain function. The mechanisms linking concussion to tinnitus are complex, involving several auditory system factors.
One theory suggests direct damage to inner ear structures like the cochlea or auditory nerve from impact or whiplash. This trauma can disrupt electrical signals to the brain for sound processing. Another mechanism involves disrupted neural pathways in the brain processing sound, leading to misinterpretations.
Changes in brain activity or inflammation following the injury contribute to tinnitus. Trauma can alter the brain’s electrical patterns, generating phantom sounds. Stress from a concussion may also heighten the perception of these internal noises. Tinnitus can manifest immediately or develop hours to days later.
Tinnitus Resolution After Concussion
For many, concussion-related tinnitus resolves as the brain heals. Resolution typically varies from days to weeks, or up to a few months. This improvement often aligns with the diminishing of other concussion symptoms like headaches or dizziness.
However, for some, concussion-related tinnitus can persist longer, becoming chronic and lasting over three to six months. Several factors influence whether tinnitus resolves or lingers:
Severity of the concussion, including duration of any loss of consciousness or post-traumatic amnesia.
Presence of other associated injuries, such as direct ear trauma or neck injury.
Pre-existing conditions, including prior episodes of tinnitus, hearing loss, anxiety, or depression.
Repeated concussions.
Individual variability in healing processes and brain resilience.
Adequate rest and avoiding further head trauma during recovery are important for facilitating brain healing and promoting symptom resolution.
Coping with Lingering Tinnitus
If tinnitus persists beyond typical recovery, a medical evaluation is beneficial. An audiologist or ENT doctor can assess tinnitus characteristics and rule out other causes. This helps develop an individualized management plan.
Several strategies manage persistent tinnitus and reduce its impact. Sound therapy, introducing external sounds to distract or mask tinnitus, is a common approach. This includes white noise generators, environmental sounds, or specialized masking devices. The goal is to make it less noticeable or bothersome, not necessarily to eliminate it.
Counseling, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), helps manage the emotional response and perception of tinnitus. CBT teaches coping mechanisms to reduce distress and improve quality of life, even if the sound persists. Lifestyle adjustments also play a role, including stress reduction, avoiding triggers like excessive caffeine or loud noise, and ensuring adequate sleep. While persistent tinnitus may not always disappear, these strategies help manage the condition effectively.