Tinnitus After Concussion
Why It Happens and What Treatments Work
A concussion can affect many systems in the body, but one of the most overlooked symptoms is tinnitus—a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears. Many patients assume tinnitus is just part of the concussion, but it can continue long after other symptoms improve. Understanding the connection can help guide effective treatment.
Why Does Tinnitus Happen After a Concussion?
1. Auditory Pathway Disruption
A concussion can disturb the delicate neural pathways connecting the inner ear to the brain. Even when the ears are structurally healthy, the brain may misinterpret signals and create phantom sound perception.
2. Changes in Blood Flow and Oxygen Supply
Traumatic brain injuries can temporarily reduce blood flow to the auditory regions of the brain. This may trigger tinnitus or make existing tinnitus more noticeable.
3. Neck and Jaw (TMJ) Dysfunction
Whiplash-type injuries often occur alongside concussions. Tight neck muscles and TMJ strain can trigger somatic tinnitus, especially when the sound changes with head or jaw movement.
4. Stress, Sleep Disturbance & Sensory Overload
After a concussion, the nervous system often becomes highly reactive. When this is combined with poor sleep, stress, and sensory overload, tinnitus symptoms can escalate quickly.
What Treatments Actually Help?
1. Audiological Assessment
A complete hearing evaluation can identify hearing loss, sound sensitivity, noise-related injury, and hidden auditory dysfunction that may be contributing to tinnitus.
2. Sound Therapy
Gentle background sound such as white noise, nature sounds, or fractal tones can reduce the brain’s focus on tinnitus and support relaxation.
3. Tinnitus Retraining & Counselling
Structured counselling helps patients understand how tinnitus works and reduces the emotional response that often makes it feel louder or more distressing.
4. Addressing Neck & TMJ Issues
Vestibular physiotherapy or TMJ therapy may help relieve somatic tinnitus, especially when symptoms worsen with head or neck movement.
5. Stress Management & Sleep Optimization
Relaxation exercises, sleep hygiene strategies, and cognitive-behavioral techniques can help calm the auditory system and reduce tinnitus intensity.
6. Hearing Aids (When Needed)
If hearing loss is present, hearing aids can often reduce tinnitus by restoring sound stimulation to the brain and improving auditory input.
Final Thoughts
Tinnitus after a concussion is common, but it is also highly treatable. The key is addressing both the auditory and neurological components rather than simply trying to mask the sound. At Novasound Hearing & Balance Center, we provide evidence-based tinnitus assessment and therapy programs tailored to post-concussion needs.
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Novasound Hearing & Balance Center
#22, 2625 Joseph Howe Drive, Halifax, NS
Phone: 902-444-7788