Ringing or buzzing ears after a RTA? Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Claims for Road Traffic Accidents in Northern Ireland, By Emily Dickson 

Hearing loss and tinnitus are common yet often overlooked injuries sustained in road traffic accidents (RTAs). While the immediate focus after an accident is typically on fractures, whiplash, or soft tissue damage, auditory injuries can have long-lasting consequences that severely impact a person’s quality of life. 

At RP Crawford Solicitors Limited, we specialise in personal injury claims arising from RTAs, including those involving hearing loss and tinnitus. This article explains how these injuries commonly occur, their symptoms, the legal test for claiming compensation, and the medical methodology used to establish tinnitus and hearing impairment. 

How Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Commonly Occur in RTAs 

Hearing loss and tinnitus in road traffic accidents are often caused by: 

1. Airbag Deployment – The rapid inflation of an airbag produces a high-decibel sound (up to 170 dB), which can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. 

2. High-Impact Collisions – A sudden whiplash movement can damage the inner ear structures, leading to vestibular dysfunction and hearing issues. 

3. Head Trauma – A direct impact to the head during a crash can result in auditory nerve damage, contributing to hearing loss and tinnitus. 

4. Noise Trauma – Explosions, horn blasts, or metal-on-metal impacts in high-speed crashes can cause acoustic trauma, leading to hearing impairment. 

5. Whiplash-Associated Disorders (WAD) – The force of a rear-end collision can lead to temporal bone trauma, disrupting auditory function. 

Symptoms of Hearing Loss and Tinnitus After an RTA 

The symptoms of hearing impairment following an RTA vary in severity and can develop immediately or over time. Common symptoms include: 

• Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears) – A persistent buzzing, ringing, or humming noise. 

• Partial or Total Hearing Loss – In one or both ears. 

• Ear Pain or Pressure – Especially after an impact to the head. 

• Dizziness and Balance Issues – Indicating inner ear damage. 

• Hypersensitivity to Sound – Normal sounds may seem unusually loud or distorted. 

• Difficulty Understanding Speech – Struggling with conversations in noisy environments. 

The Legal Test for a Hearing Loss or Tinnitus Claim 

To succeed in a personal injury claim for hearing loss or tinnitus, the claimant must prove negligence using the standard three-part legal test: 

1. Duty of Care – Under the Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995, all drivers have a legal duty to drive safely and prevent harm to others. 

2. Breach of Duty – The claimant must prove the defendant failed in their duty (e.g., reckless driving, failing to brake, or dangerous manoeuvres). 

3. Causation (Injury Resulting from the Breach) – The claimant must prove their hearing loss or tinnitus was caused by the RTA, using medical evidence. 

In personal injury cases, the burden of proof is on the balance of probabilities—meaning it must be more likely than not that the accident caused the hearing injury. 

Methodology for Establishing Tinnitus and Hearing Loss Claims 

At RP Crawford Solicitors Limited, we follow a structured methodology to ensure that every hearing-related injury claim is backed by strong medical evidence: 

Step 1: Reviewing GP and Medical Notes 

• We obtain the claimant’s GP records and hospital notes to assess whether they reported ear-related symptoms post-accident. 

• Any pre-existing hearing issues are identified to distinguish between accident-related damage and prior conditions. 

Step 2: Referral to an ENT Consultant 

• We instruct our specialist Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) consultants from our expert panel to conduct a full audiological examination. 

• This involves: 

• Pure-tone audiometry to measure hearing loss levels. 

• Tympanometry to assess middle ear function. 

• Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing for inner ear damage. 

Step 3: Tinnitus-Specific Assessments 

• Our ENT specialists use tinnitus matching and masking tests to diagnose persistent ringing or buzzing. 

• Additional MRI or CT scans may be required if head trauma is suspected. 

Step 4: Specialist Reports to Support the Claim 

• The ENT consultant provides a detailed medico-legal report outlining: 

• The extent of hearing loss or tinnitus. 

• Whether the condition is temporary or permanent. 

• The likely cause, linking it directly to the accident. 

• The impact on daily life and employment. 

Step 5: Establishing Quantum (Compensation Value) 

• Once liability is established, we calculate general and special damages, including: 

• Compensation for pain and suffering. 

• Loss of earnings if the claimant’s job requires good hearing. 

• Hearing aids or specialist treatment costs. 

• Psychological distress caused by persistent tinnitus. 

Why You Need a Specialist Solicitor for Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Claims 

Hearing-related injuries from RTAs require expert legal representation due to the complexity of proving causation and severity. At RP Crawford Solicitors Limited, we: 

✔ Work with leading ENT consultants and audiologists to support claims. ✔ Ensure that all medical and legal evidence is gathered efficiently. ✔ Negotiate with insurers and defendants to secure maximum compensation. ✔ Provide free, no-obligation consultations to assess claims. 

Get Expert Legal Advice – Free Consultation Available 

If you have suffered hearing loss or tinnitus due to a road traffic accident in Northern Ireland, don’t delay seeking specialist legal advice. Early medical assessment and legal representation are crucial to securing the best possible outcome. 

Contact RP Crawford Solicitors Limited today for a FREE consultation and let us help you obtain the compensation you deserve.