Does Hearing Loss Affect Your Balance?

When we think about ear problems, we seldom associate it with our ability to walk, stand or keep our balance. But we should! Sometimes, problems we experience with our ears can cause more than just hearing loss—they can also play a part in creating balance orders.

Our balance is primarily maintained by input from our vision and nerves; but the vestibular system (inner ear) is also a vital part of the process. Combined, the input is translated into meaningful information by the central vestibular system (brainstem). Sometimes, when there are variances in vision or nerve input, it is not difficult for our bodies to compensate. But when it comes to abnormalities in the inner ear, they are difficult for our brainstem to process. That’s why if you have problems in the inner ear, you would often undergo experiences of dizziness, vertigo, or disequilibrium.

Here’s how it works: the inner ear has two parts, the cochlea and the vestibular system. While the cochlea helps with hearing, the vestibular system is responsible for balance. When we move, the vestibular system uses special sensory cells to detect movement, especially when you move and tilt your head. The movements it senses sends signals to the vestibular nerve, which then passes the signals to your brain. This is how balance is maintained.

While hearing loss does not cause balance disorders on its own, if you or a loved one has a balance disorder and are also experiencing hearing loss, there is a high chance that the balance disorder is related to problems with the inner ear. Ear infections, Meniere’s disease, and poor blood circulation in the inner ear are popular conditions that relate to hearing loss that can also affect your balance.

If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, a good place to start treatment is to take a hearing test. Understanding symptoms of hearing loss is the first defence to avoiding balance disorders related to your hearing. Book an appointment with one of our clinics for a free hearing test now!