Post-Brain Injury Recovery with Associated Audiologists
In cartoons and comic strips, when a character gets hit on the head, they fall down and see stars for a bit and then pop right back up. Unfortunately, the reality of a head injury—whether it’s a mild concussion, bruising from a fall or a traumatic brain injury—is no laughing matter, and recovery takes much longer.
Associated Audiologists has compiled resources covering the most common types of brain injuries and how an audiologist can help with recovery and rehabilitation.
Common Brain Injuries by Type
Brain injuries can occur from many sources, but some of the most common are from falls, sports, physical assault and car accidents. Military personnel may also be at greater risk to receiving brain injuries.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Concussion
Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), sometimes called a “mild traumatic brain injury” because they are not generally life-threatening, though even mild concussions can cause serious issues and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Concussion symptoms include: Changes to sleep patterns, headaches, vision problems, forgetfulness, clumsiness, irritability and nausea.
Moderate to severe TBIs generally involve a longer period of unconsciousness after the injury and a prolonged confused or disoriented state that lasts more than 24 hours.
Stroke
A stroke is another form of acquired brain injury, although the cause is internal rather than external. Strokes happen when a blockage or breakage in the blood vessels prevents blood from getting to part of the brain.
According to Audiology Today magazine: A stroke can impact all levels of the auditory system, from the inner ear to the cortex… If a person has an existing hearing loss that is possibly untreated prior to a brain injury, their brain is the mechanism that is helping make sense of sounds that are missing due to their peripheral hearing loss. Although this hearing loss may have been a minimal issue prior to the stroke, the hearing loss can have a significant negative impact on hearing and listening following the stroke.
Auditory processing issues as a result of stroke or other brain injury can also compound with hearing loss to make it difficult for someone to understand what is being said.
Recovering From a Traumatic Brain Injury
A combination of testing, rehabilitation and accommodations can make life easier for you as you recover from a brain injury.
Your primary care physician will most likely be the point person for your recovery from a mild to moderate TBI. Many other specialists—including a neurologist, speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, cardiologist and other experts—may be involved in your care. But did you know that your audiologist can also help you during your recovery? Give Associated Audiologists a call today to learn more about your options.
Visit Your Audiologist for Continued Brain Injury Recovery
If you already have a relationship with an audiologist prior to the injury, they can retest your hearing and discuss any changes to your auditory processing abilities afterwards to see if there has been a significant change.
If you have never had your hearing tested, consider requesting an appointment with Associated Audiologists for a comprehensive hearing evaluation; we recommend a baseline hearing screening for anyone over the age of 55, or who has been exposed to excessive noise through their work or other activities, such as construction, military service, loud music or firearms.
Support Your Brain Health with Associated Audiologists
Whether you welcome the prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI) tools with open arms, or remain a bit skeptical, there are some helpful applications for AI when it comes to hearing, speech and cognitive recovery after a brain injury. One example is Lace AI Pro, an auditory training program that is customized to your specific needs. You can access it via app from your phone or computer, and—with regular use—you may see improvements in your auditory processing skills.
All Associated Audiologists locations are licensed to get you connected with Lace AI Pro and assist with setup. Request an appointment online or give Associated Audiologists a call today!
