Hearing damage due to an accident can lead to mild hearing loss or total deafness. Tinnitus, also known as ringing in the ears, is a common and often burdensome condition that can significantly affect daily life.
Types of Hearing Damage
Hearing problems can arise in various ways following an accident.
Types of Hearing Loss
| Type | Cause | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Conductive loss | Damage to eardrum or ossicles | In some cases surgically treatable |
| Sensorineural loss | Damage to cochlea or nerve | Often permanent |
| Mixed loss | Combination of the above | Partial recovery possible |
| Central loss | Damage in the brain | Problems with sound processing |
Causes in Accidents
- Blast trauma: explosions, airbags or gunshots
- Head injury: blow to the head
- Barotrauma: pressure changes (e.g. diving)
- Whiplash: indirect hearing damage due to neck injury
- Occupational risk: prolonged exposure to loud noises
Tinnitus: A Burdensome Complaint
Tinnitus is the perception of sounds without an external source present. This can be very restrictive in daily life.
Symptoms of Tinnitus
Effects and Experiences
- A beep, hiss, hum or noise in the ears
- Constant or intermittent
- Worsens in silence or under stress
- Problems sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of anxiety or depression
Severity of Tinnitus
| Level | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | Only noticeable in quiet environments | No major hindrance |
| Moderate | Regularly disruptive | Occasional loss of concentration |
| Severe | Always bothersome | Problems with sleep and focus |
| Very severe | Very restrictive | Inability to work, depressive symptoms |
Making a Diagnosis
Hearing loss is objectively measured by an ENT specialist or audiologist in Leiden and surrounding areas.
Diagnostic Tests
- Audiogram: measurement of hearing per frequency
- Speech audiometry: assessment of speech understanding
- Tympanometry: check of middle ear function
- OAE test: function of hair cells
- BERA test: function of the auditory nerve
Treatments and Support
Depending on the nature of the hearing loss, various treatments are possible in the Leiden region.
Treatment Options
| Treatment | Suitable for | Cost Indication |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing aid | Moderate to severe loss | €500 - €3,000 per ear |
| BAHA (bone-anchored) | Conductive problems | €5,000 - €10,000 |
| Cochlear implant | Severe deafness | €25,000 - €50,000 |
| Tinnitus therapy | Ringing in the ears | €1,000 - €3,000 |
| Sign language training | Deafness | Costs for course |
Impact on Daily Life
Hearing problems and tinnitus significantly affect functioning.
Limitations
- Difficulty communicating in noisy environments
- Social withdrawal due to conversation problems
- Telephoning becomes difficult
- Risks in traffic due to missed signals
- Fatigue due to increased listening effort
Compensation in Leiden
In case of hearing damage due to an accident, you can claim various forms of compensation. Contact the Juridisch Loket Leiden (Stationsweg 46) for advice.
Non-Pecuniary Damage Indications
| Type of Injury | Non-Pecuniary Damage Range |
|---|---|
| Mild loss one ear | €5,000 - €15,000 |
| Severe loss one ear | €20,000 - €35,000 |
| Deafness one ear | €30,000 - €45,000 |
| Severe loss both ears | €50,000 - €100,000 |
| Total deafness | €100,000 - €175,000 |
| Severe tinnitus | €15,000 - €50,000 |
Other Compensations
- Costs for hearing aids (lifelong)
- Loss of income due to disability for work
- Home adaptations (e.g. alarm systems)
- Costs for sign language lessons
Practical Tips for Leiden Residents
- Have your hearing checked immediately by an ENT doctor in Leiden
- Request an audiogram as a baseline
- Keep a diary about the impact of tinnitus
- Search for local tinnitus therapies
- Consult a personal injury lawyer via the Rechtbank Den Haag, Leiden location