Many people who experience hearing loss will notice that they are not as steady on their feet as they once were. This is not a coincidence. Our ears are much more complex instruments than most of us tend to realize, and they can have a dramatic effect on our balance when they are not working as they should.
As well as enabling us to hear all of the wonderful sounds around us from the voices of our loved ones to the beautiful songs of the birds in the sky, our ears are also used to help keep us oriented in the world around us too. Our ears are vital to our balance, and our spatial awareness, so when there is a problem with our hearing, this can mean that they are affected too and it is not unusual for balance disorders to accompany hearing loss.
The body’s vestibular system is made up of parts of not only the inner warm but also the eyes, brain, and muscles, joints and skin. If any one part is damaged, then the whole will experience and this can lead to balance problems, as we have mentioned above. This is why, when you have an ear infection, you can feel dizzy and disorientated and it is why you should always be vigilant with your ear health just as you are with the health of your eyes, brain and muscles – they are a small part of the bigger picture.
Common Symptoms of Balance Disorders That Accompany Hearing Loss
There are a number of balance disorders that go hand in hand with hearing loss, so if your hearing has started to fail, and you have been diagnosed with hearing loss by a qualified audiologist, you might want to be on the lookout for the following that could indicate a balance disorder such as Meniere’s Disease or otosclerosis:
- Dizziness
- Feeling like the room is spinning
- Spatial disorientation
- Memory loss
- Brain fog
- Falling over
If you experience any of these symptoms in conjunction with hearing loss, then it is important that you see your audiologist as soon as possible as they may be able to make a diagnosis. And because, often, once your hearing loss is being treated, symptoms of balance disorders may improve.
Is Hearing Loss the Only Cause of Balance Disorders?
No, balance disorders can be caused by a whole host of other health issues, but if they are accompanied by hearing loss or hearing problems, then an audiologist should be your first port of call.
Even if the source of your balance and spatial issues is found to be in the ears, it does not necessarily mean that permanent hearing loss is inevitable. Labyrinthitis is a common ailment affecting the ears. It happens when the middle or inner ear becomes inflamed. It can cause balance issues, and hearing loss, but that is not always the case. Labyrinthitis without any hearing loss is possible, and it is technically known as vestibular neuronitis.
There is also a condition known as perilymph fistula which is caused by a defect between the middle and inner ear, which leads to a leak of fluid from the inner ear to the middle ear to occur. This can cause the ear to feel like it is full, and this can cause vertigo symptoms like dizziness to occur, but it can be treated and you will not usually lose your hearing due to this particular condition.
There are so many things that can cause your balance to become off-kilter in the ear that you should always see an experienced audiologist at the first signs that something is wrong. Our audiologists will be able to thoroughly examine your ears to determine the likely cause and offer the ideal treatment whether it be a visit to an audiologist or the fitting of hearing aids.
You only get one set of ears, so it is really important that you look after them, so if you are experiencing hearing loss, pain in the ears and balance issues, then it is vital that you act as soon as possible to get the help you need. You really cannot be too careful when it comes to the delicate structure of the ears.
Speak to an Audiologist Today
If you would like to know more about balance disorders and hearing loss, or you would like to have your hearing tested today, do not hesitate to get in touch with the expert team of audiologists here at Two Rivers Hearing. Call us today at (321) 499-2488
