Man Joins Legal Team In Supporting Tinnitus Awareness Campaign After Condition Leaves Him Hearing ‘Church Bell Ringing’ In Head

A dad has spoken for the first time about how injuries he suffered in a crash continue to impact on his life.

Scott Lowe, of Aspull, Wigan, was involved in a road traffic accident when a van collided with the back of his Citroen DS3 car in Hall Lane. 

Following the collision, Scott, 33, attended Royal Albert Edward Infirmary. He was subsequently diagnosed with a back injury and tinnitus. 

Dad asks lawyers to help after suffering serious injuries in crash

With his symptoms persisting Scott, a store manager, instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the specialist support and therapies he requires. 

Scott is now marking Tinnitus Awareness Week by speaking for the first time of how his tinnitus and back injuries continue to affect his life more than two years after the crash. He described his tinnitus as often being like ‘a church bell ringing in my head’ and he struggles to bend down and pick up his three-year-old son and seven-month-old daughter. 

Driver faced 'difficult years' following collision

Kellie Robinson, the legal expert at Irwin Mitchell representing Scott, said: “Scott has faced a difficult couple of years trying to come to terms with the impact his injuries have had on his life. 

“He now faces daily challenges because of his injuries and can struggle to pick up and play with his children 

“It’s often easy to underestimate the impact that tinnitus may have but around one in 10 people in the UK suffer permanently with the condition.

“Scott’s case undoubtedly puts a spotlight on how hearing problems can affect individuals and why it’s vital that such people can access specialist support.

“We’re determined to ensure Scott can get the help he requires.”

Tinnitus - our client's story 

Scott was driving to work when the collision happened near to a roundabout at the junction of Hall Lane and Bolton Road, at about 5.40am on 5 October, 2018.

Scott, who is married to Jordan, 28, started experiencing pins and needles in his right leg and lower back as well as back pain. He attended hospital where his back injury was diagnosed.

Following further outpatient appointments he was diagnosed with tinnitus. Scott, who now requires a hearing aid, continues to suffer back pain. He’s unable to take part in hobbies he previously enjoyed such as go-karting and playing badminton. 

Scott said: “I’ve been told by medical professionals that once a back is damaged it’s damaged forever and I’ll need to learn to manage my symptoms. 

“My back never feels normal. When the pain is bad it travels to my neck, right shoulder and stomach. I try and keep on top of it as best I can but it’s hard with a busy job and two young children. The pain can often be so bad that I can’t do fun things most parents take for granted like playing and running after the children. 

“It means that I also struggle to do more practical things like picking up the children to look after them or getting them in and out of a car seat.”

Tinnitus like a 'church bell ringing in my head'

Scott added: “The tinnitus started as a hum in my ear and I just thought it was one of those things that would get better over time. However, it started to get progressively worse. 

“When the doctor told me it could well be permanent and I should wear a hearing aid it came as a huge shock. 

“I am a young and active man in my 30s. I never thought I would need a hearing aid. 

“Now if I have a busy or stressful day at work the tinnitus can be like a church bell ringing in my head at night. There’s not a day goes by where it doesn’t affect me. 

“The last couple of years have been hard to accept but I want to try and make as much of a recovery as I can. I just hope others don’t have to go through what I have and realise the effect tinnitus can have on people of all ages.”

Find out more about our expertise in helping people injured in crashes at our dedicated serious injury section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100. 

Tinnitus Awareness Week runs from 1-7 February. For more information visit www.tinnitus.org.uk/