Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can affect just about everything we do. It all depends on what part of the brain was injured and how seriously. People can have cognitive, sensory, neurological and even emotional and behavioral changes after a TBI – even a concussion.
These may be temporary changes, but some last for months, years or even permanently. That’s one reason it’s crucial to know the full extent of your injuries before settling with an insurer or directly with those responsible for your injury.
How common are sound processing problems after a concussion?
Up to 20% of people who suffer concussions have problems processing sound. That’s particularly true with “speech-in-noise,” where someone is talking in a loud area. That can be anything from a bar or restaurant to a factory floor or a construction site. A person may be able to hear that someone is talking to them and even clearly hear the words but not recognize those words.
It involves the way sound moves from the ear to the brain. “Making sense of sound is one of the hardest jobs that we ask our brains to do,” according to one neurobiology professor. A concussion can disrupt the brain’s ability to do that.
This particular symptom of a concussion is most common when the concussion was caused by a loud explosion near them. It’s often seen in military personnel who were near explosives when they went off. However, it’s been seen in people who suffered concussions in other ways.
This problem can affect a person’s ability to work along with other aspects of their life. If you’re recovering from a concussion you suffered in a car crash or other type of accident, it’s crucial to get the compensation you need to deal with the changes you may need to make in your life as a result of your injury. Having experienced legal guidance can make all the difference.
