Can hearing aids cause dizziness or vertigo?

Dizziness and vertigo are common concerns among hearing aid users, and addressing these symptoms effectively requires a combination of professional guidance and personal care strategies. A Registered Hearing Aid Practitioner (RHAP) plays a crucial role in this process, offering specialized expertise to ensure that hearing aids are contributing positively to the user’s overall well-being. Here are six essential steps to manage these symptoms:

1. Consult a Registered Hearing Aid Practitioner (RHAP): First and foremost, schedule a consultation with an RHAP. They can assess whether the dizziness and vertigo are directly related to the hearing aids or if another underlying health issue is at play.
2. Adjust Hearing Aid Settings and Fit: An RHAP can fine-tune the hearing aid settings, such as volume and frequency response, and adjust the fit to ensure comfort, which may alleviate dizziness.
3. Rule Out Other Medical Conditions: It’s important to check for other health conditions like Meniere’s disease or vestibular disorders, which can also cause dizziness and require different treatment approaches.
4. Engage in Balance Therapy: If a balance disorder is identified, vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) can be an effective way to retrain the brain and improve balance.
5. Practice Gradual Acclimatization: For new users, slowly increasing the duration of hearing aid use helps the body adapt to the new auditory input, potentially reducing dizziness.
6. Maintain Regular Follow-Ups: Ongoing check-ups with an RHAP are vital to ensure that the hearing aids are working correctly and not exacerbating symptoms of dizziness or vertigo.

By following these steps and maintaining open communication with a Registered Hearing Aid Practitioner, hearing aid users can effectively manage symptoms of dizziness and vertigo, leading to a more comfortable and balanced daily life.