Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Permanent Hearing Loss from Airbag Deployments in Auto Accidents

The Introduction of Automobile Safety Features
With the invention of the automobile followed the inevitable occurrence of auto accidents. As a result, manufacturers and scientists have been developing ways to minimize injuries to people involved in car accidents. New safety features are developed and introduced almost yearly in an attempt to reduce and ultimately eliminate injuries to occupants of automobiles during an accident. Such safety developments include antilock brakes, head rests, shatter proof windows, seatbelts and airbags.

Airbags are a type a vehicle restraint system that was first introduced in the 1970’s and became a common feature in most vehicles in the early 1990’s. Airbags are designed to rapidly inflate during a car crash to prevent the occupants from striking the interior of the vehicle compartment. More modern luxury vehicles now have multiple airbags, including side impact airbags, knee airbags, rear curtain airbags and even seat belt airbags. No one will dispute that airbags (for the most part) have saved countless lives and minimized injuries to thousands of people who were involved in car accidents, especially those who were not wearing their seatbelts. However, with most scientific advances there are always some unintended negative consequences. This is the same with airbags.

The Unintended Consequences of Airbags
It has been estimated that there have been over two million airbag deployments in the last 10 years. Modern airbags fully deploy in approximately 20-30 milliseconds, with an incredible amount of speed and force that is necessary to deploy it quickly enough to have it inflate before the vehicle occupant strikes the steering wheel or dashboard during an automobile accident. However, deploying an object at such an incredible speed and force often comes with a cost. From an orthopedic standpoint, studies have shown there has been an increase in broken sternums, broken ribs, forearm fractures and shoulder injuries as a result of the power of the inflating airbag. However, studies also show that there is another, more unexpected result from this phenomenon: the effect that airbags sometimes have on an occupant’s hearing.

Hearing Loss
The amount of noise associated with airbag deployment from a car accident varies with the type, size and location of the airbag. Deployment of a driver’s side front airbag will generate mean peak sound pressure levels of approximately 160 dB (decibels). A passenger side front airbag will generate mean peak sound pressure level of 168 dB, while dual airbag deployments create a mean peak sound pressure level of 170 dB. When you compare these with the level of decibels that can cause hearing loss, the problem becomes evident. Studies have shown that the pain threshold from noise is about 140Db and that a single exposure to sound pressure of this level can cause permanent, severe hearing loss. The most recent development of side airbags as optional equipment in some luxury vehicles has only enhanced this problem. The deployment of a side airbag generates a mean peak sound air pressure of 178 dB. That is more than 20% higher than the level necessary to cause permanent severe hearing loss. Add in the fact that the side air bag deploys closer to the ear and the danger becomes escalated.

The Reality of Airbag Effects in Automobile Accidents
The following is a post from a chat line on the Hearing Loss Web. It began when a young person said (in part):

“Last week I was involved in what should have been a minor car accident. I wasn’t paying attention and gently hit the car in front of me, which was stopped for a light.

“What happened next was terrifying. The inside of the car seemed to explode in a deafening roar. I had unimaginable pain in both ears and considerable bleeding from my ear canals. I also had a very loud ringing and was virtually deaf.

“I was taken to the hospital where it was quickly determined that my ear drums had ruptured. I was referred to an ENT who said they should heal in two to three weeks, but possibly with some scar tissue that would affect my ability to hear low sounds. As for the ringing, he said that could be permanent. He also said I had suffered inner ear damage that would affect my high frequency hearing, although he said it was hard to tell how much. He concluded by saying I would need to face life “hearing impaired” and may need to look at hearing aids.

“I just can’t believe this. What has our government done in requiring airbags that leave passengers deafened from minor accidents? I have always protected my hearing and never would have thought about going to loud concerts or auto races without effective ear protection. I am only 22 and I can barely hear a conversation in a quiet room. With background noise, I am almost deaf.”


The results of researcher Richard Price’s studies indicated that 17% of the people exposed to the sound concussion from an air bag deployment in an automobile accident experienced permanent hearing loss. That is almost 1 in every 5 people in a car accident with an air bag deployment. Over the last 10 years (with 2 million air bag deployment car crashes) over 340,000 people would have suffered permanent hearing loss of some degree. The damage consists of ruptured air drums, dislocation of the delicate bones of the middle ear and major inner ear damage. This can result in hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in ears) and vertigo (dizziness).

Steps to Take After an Accident
If someone is involved in an auto accident or truck accident with an air bag deployment, it is imperative to have their ears checked. An Ortholaryngologist is an ear, nose and throat doctor that can perform an audiogram and a otoacoustic emissions test. Keep in mind that these tests should be performed within 72 hours after an accident to determine if hearing loss has occurred. An audiogram tests basic hearing levels and compares them to a norm, while an otoacoustic emission tests the function of the cochlea which is the auditory portion of the inner ear.


If you or someone you love has been involved in a car crash or truck crash that resulted in air bag deployment, it is important to have your hearing checked for any abnormalities. If you have ringing in your ears or experience dizziness, remember to seek immediate medical attention and know that you can always call an attorney for further help. Rue & Ziffra, P.A. is a Florida personal injury law firm with a team of auto accident attorneys. They have over 25 years of experience handling cases for accident victims and are available to answer any questions you may have during your free consultation. For more information, please visit the Rue & Ziffra, P.A. website or contact the firm by phone.

Rue & Ziffra, P.A., proudly serves areas throughout Volusia County and Flagler County, Florida, including, Port Orange, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Ormond Beach, Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, DeLand, Deltona, Bunnell, Orange City, Sanford, Orlando and Leesburg.

The above entry is NOT LEGAL ADVICE and should not be intended or construed as such. It is intended only as general information. No individual reading it should act upon it. Reading this entry does not create any relationship between Rue & Ziffra, P.A. and individuals reading it. If you have questions or concerns, please seek professional legal counsel.

21 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  2. It can be difficult to judge the extent of your suffering and identify a dollar amount that will be sufficient to compensate you for your personal injury. Accidents can change the course of a life in a way that no monetary compensation can make up for. Cases of wrongful death are even more difficult to deal with for the obvious reason that a monetary value cannot be placed on life. However, we do not think that economic hardship should be added to a family’s difficulties in this situation. There are several aspects of your injury and its affect on your life that must be taken into consideration when deciding the amount of money you want to file a claim for. personal injury attorney ma

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  3. My sister suffered chronic tinnitus for more than 47 years and it got worse as days passes. We tried many treatments but no result, she cry all time due to this symptoms and think to commit suicide as the noise get worsen. The noise is mostly of a ringing, roaring, buzzing and hissing type. It was constant 24/7. It is very bad affecting every aspect of her life. The sound becomes louder at night, at the time she goes to sleep. We just got a contact of Herbalist called Dr. William. His herbal (natural) medicine has cure my sister and he is living a good life now, though it cost us a lot but the goodnews is that the medicine has finally cured her. If you have same problem, contact him for more info (drwilly37@gmail.com)

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  4. Admin please help me pass this on.
    I have lived a very terrified life the past 12 years due to the steady distraction caused by tinnitus. I hear a steady, offensive and unending buzzing sound on my left ear, which made me deaf. I worked in a factory for 28 years and i was really much exposed to loud noise, since i retired 15 years ago i have been faced with this, infact it made me deaf. I was fortunate enough to get a medicine from Dr. Joseph that put a final stop to the sound and it has never returned since then. Most doctors might tell you there is no cure but as a survivor of this i will tell you it is curable. To get the medicine for yourself just reach him personally on josephalberteo@gmail.com also for advise and information too.

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  5. ALL THANKS TO DR WILLIAMS WITH HIS HERB I WAS CURED FROM A TERRIBLE TINNITUS.
    . Is my pleasure to comment on this site and i thank the admin of this site for his/her great work so far. I really don’t know how to thank DR WILLIAMS for helping me get cured for over 20 year of suffering from a terrible tinnitus, my tinnitus started when i was 28 year i thought is going to end one day but even get worse as days went by,i have tried all western drugs prescribed by doctors but to no avail i lost total concentration, even at night i screams even more because the sounds become louder because everywhere is quiet. i came across DR WILLIAMS contact through a headline news on internet about how DR WILLIAMS have help so many people to get cured of tinnitus and so many other with similar body problem ,i contacted him and he told me how to get his herb,few day later he sent me the herbal portion which i take every morning for 21 days, and his medicine was able to restore me back to normal and now am very okay without any side effects whatsoever If you have Tinnitus, you can contact him on his email address drwilliams098765@gmail.com for help

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  6. I am sophie from Canada, I once suffered from a terrible and Chronic tinnitus ,in 2016, the doctor told me it has no permanent cure i was given medications to slow down its progress, i constantly felt my health was deteriorating as i constantly go out of breath,and this noise was really terrible especially when am sleeping, i have this constant ringing in my ears for about 8 months, this was really a terrible noise ,on thin one day that i was going through the internet,and i came across a post of Mrs Kate on how she was been cured from tinnitus through dr Williams herbal product, I contacted this herbal doctor via his email and explain everything to him and make purchase of his product,few days later he sent me the herbal medicine through courier service, when i received the herbal medicine i used it for 3 weeks as prescribed and i was totally cured of tinnitus within those week of usage,on thin now i have not hear anything ringing in my ears.if you need his help you can Contact this herbal doctor via his email drwilliams098765@gmail.com for help

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  7. I have been in the tinnitus community for a while now and I have experience what you are going though with tinnitus , I do know people that have got
    tinnitus from having their implants done. Ringing in the ear after an implant can go away on its own, but that is BS of what the mouth and jaw specialist said. I have definitely seen and heard of a connection between tinnitus and teeth and mouth. There is a treatment for ringing ears and if you are
    interested you can contact Dr William herbal remedies that what I take that stop the ringing in my ear that was really driving me crazy, don't Lose hope .,I have found a solution for my fellow citizens . If you haven't I would suggest trying Dr William herbal supplement. Again, this is a thing that takes time and usually requires time and patience for it to work WITH no side effects. But I'm not hear to sell you the product, I'm only hear to tell you that it works, but it is a journey and can be difficult. I hope at this point in want away on it own. Good luck . his email address drwilliams098765@gmail.com for advice and for his product

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  8. ALL THANKS TO DR WILLIAMS WITH HIS HERB I WAS CURED FROM A TERRIBLE TINNITUS.
    . Is my pleasure to comment on this site and i thank the admin of this site for his/her great work so far. I really don’t know how to thank DR WILLIAMS for helping me get cured for over 20 year of suffering from a terrible tinnitus, my tinnitus started when i was 28 year i thought is going to end one day but even get worse as days went by,i have tried all western drugs prescribed by doctors but to no avail i lost total concentration, even at night i screams even more because the sounds become louder because everywhere is quiet. i came across DR WILLIAMS contact through a headline news on internet about how DR WILLIAMS have help so many people to get cured of tinnitus and so many other with similar body problem ,i contacted him and he told me how to get his herb,few day later he sent me the herbal portion which i take every morning for 21 days, and his medicine was able to restore me back to normal and now am very okay without any side effects whatsoever If you have Tinnitus, you can contact him on his email address drwilliams098765@gmail.com for help

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  9. ALL THANKS TO DR WILLIAMS WITH HIS HERBAL PORTION I WAS COMPLETELY CURED FROM A TERRIBLE TINNITUS.
    How can I ever stop thanking Dr William for the great deed he have done for me, i got an accident when I was 27 years old, from that day on i started experience ringing ear (tinnitus) i have taken all the western drugs prescribe by various doctor but to no avail . my tinnitus was very loud in the afternoon and I sleep less at night because of this problem i stop my work, few days later i was going through the Internet and I saw a post of so many people testifying about Dr William herbal remedies on how they was being cure for over many years suffering from tinnitus the story Really motivated me that I have to speak with my husband about it, and he said i should give him a try, i contacted Dr William and explain all i have be facing in my life. He assured me that everything is going to be fine if only I can get his herbal portion, i said yes and I requested for it, few days later the herb was sent to me in Kuwait,i started using it as instructed by Dr William for me to take it for 21 Days which I did, can you imagine after talking Dr William herbal medicine for just two weeks i started experience results, it was like a miracle,and now i am permanently cure from this terrible tinnitus, i promise that am going to publish his herb on thing my last breath for the great deed he have done for me. For those with similar ear problem should please contact him on his email address drwilliams098765@gmail his a good man and am proud of him.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am sophie from Canada, I once suffered from a terrible and Chronic tinnitus ,in 2016, the doctor told me it has no permanent cure i was given medications to slow down its progress, i constantly felt my health was deteriorating as i constantly go out of breath,and this noise was really terrible especially when am sleeping, i have this constant ringing in my ears for about 8 months, this was really a terrible noise ,on thin one day that i was going through the internet,and i came across a post of Mrs Kate on how she was been cured from tinnitus through dr Williams herbal product, I contacted this herbal doctor via his email and explain everything to him and make purchase of his product,few days later he sent me the herbal medicine through courier service, when i received the herbal medicine i used it for 3 weeks as prescribed and i was totally cured of tinnitus within those week of usage,on thin now i have not hear anything ringing in my ears.if you need his help you can Contact this herbal doctor via his email drwilliams098765@gmail.com for help

    ReplyDelete
  11. DR WILLIAMS HERBAL CURE TO TINNITUS

    Appreciation is the key to doing more that is why I have took some time out to thank some one who cured me of my 4 years tinnitus problem. It became a major problem to me as it was affecting my life and I was no longer comfortable so I decided to look for a solution and I came across a post of Dr williams and how he has been helping people of the same problem with his herbal remedies I contacted him and tell him all I have been facing in my life. He told me how to get his product and how to take it after every thing I find out that all was now okay with me and that my tinnitus problem was gone that is why I have come out today to say thank you to him and for any tinnitus problem either from man or woman. Contact him on drwilliams098765@gmail.com his a man that take good care of his children

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  12. ALL THANKS TO DR WILLIAMS WITH HIS HERBAL PORTION I WAS COMPLETELY CURED FROM A TERRIBLE TINNITUS.
    How can I ever stop thanking Dr William for the great deed he have done for me, i got an accident when I was 27 years old, from that day on i started experience ringing ear (tinnitus) i have taken all the western drugs prescribe by various doctor but to no avail . my tinnitus was very loud in the afternoon and I sleep less at night because of this problem i stop my work, few days later i was going through the Internet and I saw a post of so many people testifying about Dr William herbal remedies on how they was being cure for over many years suffering from tinnitus the story Really motivated me that I have to speak with my husband about it, and he said i should give him a try, i contacted Dr William and explain all i have be facing in my life. He assured me that everything is going to be fine if only I can get his herbal portion, i said yes and I requested for it, few days later the herb was sent to me in Kuwait,i started using it as instructed by Dr William for me to take it for 21 Days which I did, can you imagine after talking Dr William herbal medicine for just two weeks i started experience results, it was like a miracle,and now i am permanently cure from this terrible tinnitus, i promise that am going to publish his herb on thing my last breath for the great deed he have done for me. For those with similar ear problem should please contact him on his email address drwilliams098765@gmail his a good man and am proud of him.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am sophie from Canada, I once suffered from a terrible and Chronic tinnitus ,in 2016, the doctor told me it has no permanent cure i was given medications to slow down its progress, i constantly felt my health was deteriorating as i constantly go out of breath,and this noise was really terrible especially when am sleeping, i have this constant ringing in my ears for about 8 months, this was really a terrible noise ,on thin one day that i was going through the internet,and i came across a post of Mrs Kate on how she was been cured from tinnitus through dr Williams herbal product, I contacted this herbal doctor via his email and explain everything to him and make purchase of his product,few days later he sent me the herbal medicine through courier service, when i received the herbal medicine i used it for 3 weeks as prescribed and i was totally cured of tinnitus within those week of usage,on thin now i have not hear anything ringing in my ears.if you need his help you can Contact this herbal doctor via his email drwilliams098765@gmail.com for help

    ReplyDelete
  14. hello every one my name is Justin Leo i am from Japan, i have been suffering from tinnitus disease for the last Three years and had constant sound, especially in my right ear. During the first year, I had faith in God that i would be healed someday.The ringing sound started getting worse each and everyday that comes to pass, and i have been taking treatment from my doctor, few weeks ago i was searching on the internet if i could get any information concerning the prevention of this disease, on my search i saw a testimony of someone who has been healed from tinnitus by this Man Dr Williams and she also live the email address of this great man that he would be of help for so many others suffering from this, so i wrote to Dr. Williams telling him about my tinnitus he told me not to worry that everything is going to be fine!! i never believed it,, well after sending me the drugs and i follow all the procedures on how he instructed me to be taking the medicine, few weeks later i started experiencing changes all over me, after all i went to my doctor to confirmed if i have be finally healed behold it was true,right now am one of the happiest man on earth,if you have such sickness or any other at all you can email Dr. William on drwilliams098765@gmail.com

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  15. Wow: who will ever believe that a natural herb can cure tinnitus, i never believe that this will work i have spend a lot when getting drugs from the hospital to keep me healthy,i went to many hospitals for cure but there was no solution, One day I was in the office going through the internet when i see so many people testifying about Dr Williams herbal medicine on how they where been cured from tinnitus and so many other similar body problem, so i mail him.He told me all the things I need to do and also give me instructions to take, which I followed properly. Before I knew what is happening after two weeks To my greatest surprise after patiently going according to instruction given to me by Dr Williams, all the ringing in my ears stop gradually and up thing this moment i have not experience anything ringing in my ears. I want to say a big thanks to Dr Williams who God have sent to heal his people with his natural medicine i pray that God will bless you for the good work you are doing.for all who are still suffering from this disease, you can also contact Dr Williams through his email address on;drwilliams098765@gmail.com

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  16. I am Shelley from Los Angeles,California, I want to testify on how i got cured from tinnitus, I have suffered from ringing ears since the year 2011 with so mush pain,that i have to spend so mush money getting pain relief in the hospital, and I have visited several doctor ,but all to no avail, my world was gradually coming to an end because of the buzzing sound in my right ears, until i saw a post in a health forum about a herbal Dr Williams who use herbal portion in curing people from different kind of diseases including tinnitus, at first i doubted if it we be able to cure me, but i decided to give it a try, when i contacted this herbal doctor via his email, he prepared a herbal portion and sent it to me via courier service, when i received this herbal medicine, he gave me step by step instructions on how to apply it, when i applied it as instructed, i was completely free from tinnitus just for 1 months of usage,i we recommend this to all my friend family in the world today who still suffering from tinnitus you can contact him through his email on drwilliams098675@gmail.com for help.

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  17. "Dear Williams, I wanted to drop you a note and say 'THANK YOU', from the bottom of my heart. I was browsing the Internet back in AUGUST this year looking for help, any help. I have been diagnosed with tinnitus that was extremely loud especially at night when going to bed. Thankfully enough I accidentally came across so many people thanking Dr Williams for his medication. I thought I should give his medicine a try. I ordered his medicine and went to my local health store and bought the herbs and vitamins and the other more basic ingredients for his medicine and then started his medication that day. After 7 days I didn't see any change so I thought 'here we go again'. But it wasn't another disappointment. By the end of the 4th week on a bright Monday morning, all the noses and the awful bloated feeling just stopped. I immediately went to my doctor and guess what? The ear ringing was not there anymore. I was so happy!

    Thanks to your advice, I now know how to prevent any future tinnitus formation and the array of symptoms that goes along with it, Thank you so much for everything!"for more information on how to get his medication you can email him on drwilliam098675@gmail.com

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  18. Just wanted to say a huge thank you to Dr Williams for everything he have done in my life. I have been in tears for so many years now, having found that am having tinnitus, lesion after some years of being under extreme stress., . I spent 24 hours freaking out and finally calmed down after reading some testimony on here about Dr Williams herbal medicine to tinnitus. The moment came and I mumbled out to my husband about Dr Williams product (with a few tears) and he was AMAZING – . He was just worried about me been free from the ringing in my ears , after taking Dr Williams medicine for just within a period of one month. We went to the doc together who confirmed that i was tinnitus free.
    Thank you again for being upfront, truthful and taking this pain away from me for more information about his product you can email him on drwilliams098675@gmail.com i hope you can also help other terrified people in a similar situation.

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  19. There are some natural remedies that can be used in the prevention and eliminate diabetes totally. However, the single most important aspect of a diabetes control plan is adopting a wholesome life style Inner Peace, Nutritious and Healthy Diet, and Regular Physical Exercise. A state of inner peace and self-contentment is essential to enjoying a good physical health and over all well-being. The inner peace and self contentment is a just a state of mind.People with diabetes diseases often use complementary and alternative medicine. I diagnosed diabetes in 2013. Was at work feeling unusually tired and sleepy. I borrowed a glucometer from a co-worker and tested at 760. Went immediately to my doctor and he gave me prescription like: Insulin ,Sulfonamides, but I could not get the cure rather to reduce the pain and brink back the pain again. I found a woman testimony name Comfort online how Dr Akhigbe cure her HIV  and I also contacted the doctor and after I took his medication as instructed, I am now completely free from diabetes by doctor Akhigbe herbal medicine.So diabetes patients reading this testimony to contact his email     drrealakhigbe@gmail.com   or his Number   +2348142454860   He also use his herbal herbs to diseases like:SPIDER BITE, SCHIZOPHRENIA, LUPUS,EXTERNAL INFECTION, COMMON COLD, JOINT PAIN, BODY PAIN, EPILEPSY,STROKE,TUBERCULOSIS ,STOMACH DISEASE. ECZEMA, PROGERIA, EATING DISORDER, LOWER RESPIRATORY INFECTION, MALARIA, BACTERIA DIARRHEA, DENGUE FEVER, HERPATITIS A&B, RABIES DIABETICS,HERPES,HIV/AIDS, ;ALS,  CANCER , ARTHRITIS,  BREAST INFECTION, MENINGITIS,HEPATITIS A AND B, THYROID, HEARING LOSS, ASTHMA, HEART DISEASE, CHRONIC DISEASE. AUTISM, NAUSEA VOMITING OR DIARRHEA,KIDNEY DISEASE, WEAK ERECTION. EYE TWITCHING PAINFUL OR IRREGULAR MENSTRUATION.Dr Akhigbe is a good man and he heal any body that come to him. here is email    drrealakhigbe@gmail.com    and his Number +2349010754824

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