Hearing Loss
Understand hearing loss, health, and balance
Hearing and Your Health
Hearing plays an important role in effective communication, mental well-being, and even balance. When hearing loss goes untreated, it can lead to misunderstandings, social withdrawal, and increased feelings of isolation, all of which can impact emotional health. Additionally, the inner ear not only helps process sound but also contributes to the body’s sense of balance, meaning that hearing issues can sometimes lead to dizziness or unsteadiness. Maintaining good hearing health is essential for staying connected, mentally sharp, and physically steady.
Signs of Hearing Loss
- It seems like people mumble
- You can hear but you lack clarity
- It’s difficult to hear when there is background noise
- You feel tired after conversations
- You frequently ask others to repeat themselves
- You need the volume on the radio or TV louder than others like
- Women and children’s voices are harder to hear
- You hear a ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
What Causes Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss can occur for a variety of reasons and may develop gradually or suddenly. Common causes include prolonged exposure to loud noise, aging, genetics, ear infections, certain medications, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
Understanding the underlying cause of hearing loss is essential in determining the most effective treatment and management options, whether it be hearing aids, medical intervention, or protective strategies to prevent further decline.
Balance Disorders
Many people don’t realize that the inner ear, which is home to the hearing nerve, is also home to the cochlea, which is where our sense of balance comes from. Sometimes, individuals who experience hearing loss due to ototoxic medications, Meniere’s disease, or head/ear trauma will also experience dizziness.
Dizziness and balance problems don’t always occur in conjunction with hearing impairment. The team at Two Rivers Hearing & Fyzical Therapy and Balance Centers can help you through diagnostic balance and VNG testing and tailored treatment plans. Our audiologists will work together with our Physical Therapists to create a custom treatment plan that will help you overcome dizziness and balance problems.
Are you dealing with dizziness? Our professionals can help you! Contact us today to schedule an appointment for balance testing and find relief from balance disorders.