The Connection Between Hearing Loss and Balance Issues

If you’ve noticed a slight change in your hearing lately, paired with feelings of dizziness or disorientation, it may be connected. Many balance disorders are often attributed to hearing loss and other associated problems with ear health. Hearing loss and balance disorders are interconnected because both systems rely on the inner ear’s complex structures. Inner ear issues can lead to both difficulties in hearing and problems with balance and spatial orientation. Conditions like Meniere’s disease highlight the intricate relationship between hearing and balance, as disruptions in the inner ear’s fluid balance can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus, underscoring the need for holistic diagnosis and treatment approaches.

Are Balance Disorders Common in All Ages?

Balance issues are very common amongst all age groups – not just those who are older and more mature in their years. Of course, as you get older, you will become more prone to health issues such as a deterioration in your mobility and hearing. However, you’re still likely to experience problems with hearing loss or balance issues even at a younger age.

The risk comes when your mobility is compromised and you are putting yourself into scenarios where you could fall dangerously. That’s why it’s important to get it checked out sooner, rather than later.

Common Types of Balance-Related Disorders

There are a number of balance issues that are associated with hearing loss and that are worth knowing the names of.

Meniere’s Disease

The rarer of the two, Meniere’s disease is a condition that happens within the inner ear and is linked to balance issues. It causes disorientation and congestion in the ears. As a result, you may also experience some hearing loss.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

A pretty common type of balance disorder is something called BBPV. It’s a form of vertigo that’s caused by calcium crystalizing within the ear and then moving to another part of the ear. The result is a feeling of disorientation.

How Do Balance Issues Connect to Hearing Loss?

The reason the two are connected is due to the influence that ears have on the rest of your mobility. If your hearing isn’t performing well, that can throw off your balance completely. By not addressing the problem, it’s likely going to get worse in the sense that a fall or two could end up causing a serious injury.

Signs and Symptoms of Hearing Loss or Balance Issues

To be more aware of hearing loss or balance issues, it’s a good idea to pay attention to typical signs and symptoms. These signs and symptoms include:

• Dizziness or vertigo
• Staggering when trying to walk
• Difficulty hearing conversations in noisy environments
• Blurred vision
• Feeling lightheaded
• Confusion or disorientation
• Prone to falling
• Social isolation has increased a lot more recently

Whether it’s you or a loved one that’s experiencing these signs and symptoms, it’s important to get these checked out. While it might not be anything to worry about, it’s something to get checked out if the signs or symptoms aren’t going away.

The Next Steps for Treating Hearing Loss and Balance Issues

To treat hearing loss and balance disorders, it’s important to speak to an audiologist. If the two are connected, then they’ll be able to assist in running the relevant tests and finding a diagnosis for the symptoms.

If further tests are needed, you may be referred to specialists. Balance disorders are dangerous because one fall might be enough to cause serious damage. It’s important to stress to your loved one or to remind yourself of the dangers that come with not treating the balance issue.

Seeking help from an audiologist can be helpful and they’re the first step in getting the help you or your loved one might need. They’re qualified and trained in hearing loss, putting you at ease as they explain the process of the hearing test itself.

The test itself is painless and it’s worth getting your hearing checked annually, just like any other medical appointment. Even if you don’t think anything is wrong, it’s important to get your hearing assessed regardless. You never know what problems may be underlying that haven’t yet come to the surface.

Getting the Help You Need

If you’re reading this and are concerned with your ear health or that of a loved one, it’s worth getting in touch with a professional audiologist at Quality Hearing Aid Center. You’re in safe and capable hands when it comes to the Quality Hearing Aid Center, so make sure to get in touch at (248) 430-8791 for more information on how they can help you or a loved one. It’s better to get seen than to avoid the problem.