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Two things you may not realize are connected are your sense of hearing and balance. This is primarily because the inner ear houses both the cochlea, which is responsible for hearing, and the vestibular system, which governs balance.
Balance problems, including dizziness, are common among people who also experience difficulty hearing. This can be especially serious for older people who are at higher risk for fall-related injuries. Hearing loss and balance also impact independence — which can be a big concern for elderly folks who want to stay as independent as possible.
Read on to learn more about the connection between hearing and balance and where to find the best balance specialist in Los Angeles.
The Connection Between Balance and Hearing Health
Our patients commonly ask, “How does hearing affect my balance?” When hearing loss occurs, especially due to issues in the inner ear, it can often be accompanied by balance problems. For some people, loss of balance can be the first noticeable sign of underlying hearing problems — even before other signs of hearing loss, which include:
- Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
- Turning up the volume on electronic devices.
- Experiencing a ringing sensation in the ears, known as tinnitus.
The causes of hearing loss are varied and can include prolonged exposure to loud noises, ear infections, some medications, or genetic factors. However, the most common cause of hearing loss is age-related degeneration, which gradually occurs as one ages. Age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, affects around 50% of people over the age of 75.
6 Types of Hearing-Related Balance Disorders
Hearing-related balance disorders often stem from issues within the inner ear, where both the auditory and vestibular systems are located. These problems can manifest in various ways that affect balance, including:
1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is one of the most common vestibular disorders and is characterized by brief episodes of dizziness or vertigo triggered by changes in head position. It occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the semicircular canals, disrupting normal balance signals.
2. Meniere's Disease
This condition involves a ringing or whooshing sound in the ears, known as tinnitus, and episodes of vertigo. It is caused by an abnormal buildup of fluid in the inner ear, which can affect both hearing and balance. Meniere's disease can lead to severe dizziness and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.
3. Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear labyrinth, often due to a viral or bacterial infection. It can cause sudden, severe vertigo, hearing loss, and balance issues. The inflammation also disrupts the normal function of the vestibular system, leading to dizziness and difficulty maintaining balance.
4. Vestibular Neuritis
Like labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis is an inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which transmits balance information from the inner ear to the brain. It typically results from a viral infection and causes sudden, intense vertigo without accompanying hearing loss. However, it can still significantly impact balance.
5. Ototoxicity
Certain medications, known as ototoxic drugs, can damage the inner ear structures responsible for hearing and balance. Common ototoxic medications include some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and high doses of aspirin. The damage can lead to dizziness, balance problems, and hearing loss.
6. Acoustic Neuroma
An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain. As it grows and presses on the nerve, it can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues.
The best way to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life with any of these conditions is to get a proper diagnosis and work with an audiologist who can offer the latest treatment options.
Where to Find the Best Balance Doctor in Los Angeles
Balance issues can be a debilitating condition at any age. For those who are older, it can make it difficult to maintain independence. Working with an audiologist with expert knowledge of balance disorders and hearing-related balance issues can help.
American Hearing and Balance is home to L.A.’s most trusted team of hearing and balance specialists, led by Dr. Keith Michaels. Offering comprehensive hearing testing and the most cutting-edge solutions for hearing loss and balance disorders, American Hearing and Balance has locations in Westchester, Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, Westwood, Torrance and Long Beach. With a special dedication to serving elderly patients, we offer in-home visits and hearing aid repair for those who have difficulty getting transportation to the clinic.
Ready to feel steady on your feet again with the best treatment for balance issues in Los Angeles?
