Dizziness and balance issues, including vertigo, can make daily activities difficult. Vertigo often creates the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning, while general balance problems may cause unsteadiness, light-headedness, or a feeling of motion. These symptoms may increase the risk of falls and affect quality of life.
Common causes include inner ear conditions, ear infections, fluid buildup, migraines, or circulatory problems. In some cases, dizziness may be temporary, but recurring or severe episodes should always be evaluated.
At Melody Hearing Clinic, our registered hearing aid practitioners assess hearing and ear-related concerns that may contribute to balance difficulties. We can provide hearing tests, discuss strategies to manage symptoms, and when needed, recommend referrals to medical specialists for further evaluation.
Schedule an appointment today with Melody Hearing Clinic to learn more about solutions for dizziness and balance issues.
FAQ
Yes, noise exposure can cause dizziness or balance problems in some cases. Very loud sounds can affect not only hearing but also the inner ear structures responsible for balance. The inner ear contains the vestibular system, which helps control balance and spatial awareness. When this system is disturbed, symptoms such as dizziness, unsteadiness, or a spinning sensation may occur.
Sudden exposure to extremely loud noise, such as explosions, gunshots, or industrial accidents, can disrupt the inner ear. This may lead to temporary or, in rare cases, long-lasting balance problems. Some people feel lightheaded, off-balance, or disoriented after loud noise exposure, especially if the exposure caused inner ear injury.
Noise exposure may also worsen existing balance conditions. People who already experience dizziness or vertigo may notice symptoms become more frequent or intense after loud noise. Dizziness and balance issues are sometimes linked with inner ear damage rather than hearing loss alone.
In some cases, balance problems occur alongside hearing symptoms such as ringing in the ears or muffled hearing. This combination may indicate deeper inner ear involvement and should be evaluated by a hearing professional.
While balance symptoms from noise exposure are less common than hearing loss, they should not be ignored. Ongoing dizziness or balance changes after loud noise may signal inner ear damage that needs professional assessment.
Balance problems can increase the risk of falls, affect daily activities, and reduce quality of life.
Hearing aids can sometimes cause dizziness or vertigo, though these instances are rare. Dizziness or vertigo may occur if the hearing aids are not properly adjusted to your specific hearing profile, amplifying sounds too much or in an unbalanced way. Additionally, the fit of the hearing aid itself could create pressure in the ear canal, potentially leading to feelings of imbalance. In some cases, dizziness can also be linked to underlying ear conditions, such as vestibular disorders, which may be exacerbated by the use of hearing aids.
If you begin to experience dizziness or vertigo after using hearing aids, it’s crucial to consult a hearing specialist immediately. A hearing professional can perform a thorough assessment to determine whether the symptoms are related to your hearing aids or another condition. They may also adjust the hearing aid settings—such as reducing amplification or modifying frequency response—and ensure the fit is correct, which can significantly reduce or eliminate dizziness.
While hearing aids are primarily used to amplify sound, they can indirectly influence your balance and equilibrium, particularly if there is an underlying vestibular issue. The inner ear plays a crucial role in both hearing and balance, so when hearing aids amplify sound, they may inadvertently affect the inner ear’s balance mechanisms. For this reason, hearing aids need to be carefully calibrated by a professional to avoid overstimulation of the auditory system, which can lead to dizziness or vertigo. If you experience these symptoms, a hearing specialist may also recommend additional tests to rule out conditions like Meniere’s disease, which affects both hearing and balance.
At Melody Audiology, our team of experienced audiologists and Registered Hearing Aid Practitioners (RHAP) specializes in addressing hearing-related balance issues. If you’re experiencing dizziness or vertigo, we can perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of your symptoms. This includes adjusting your hearing aids for optimal performance and ensuring they fit comfortably. In some cases, balance therapy, such as vestibular rehabilitation, may be recommended if a balance disorder is identified.
We also understand that dizziness can be unsettling, particularly for new hearing aid users. That’s why we offer a gradual acclimatization process to help your body adjust to the new auditory input without causing balance issues. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial for ensuring your hearing aids continue to meet your needs without exacerbating any symptoms of dizziness or vertigo.
If you’re experiencing dizziness or vertigo while wearing hearing aids, here are some essential steps to take:
If you are experiencing dizziness or vertigo related to your hearing aids, don’t hesitate to visit one of our hearing clinics in Downtown Edmonton, Mill Woods, South Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or St. Albert. Our expert team can diagnose the issue and provide personalized solutions to help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall hearing experience.
Vertigo is characterized by a sensation of spinning or whirling, making you feel off-balance or dizzy. This condition can stem from a variety of sources, such as issues with the inner ear, head injuries, certain medications, and neurological disorders. Commonly reported symptoms include a feeling that either you or your surroundings are spinning, nausea or vomiting, difficulties with walking straight or maintaining balance, increased sweating, especially during a vertigo episode, and a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. Additionally, some individuals might experience headaches, which vary in intensity, and blurred vision or trouble focusing.
Experiencing these symptoms warrants a visit to a healthcare professional. Accurately diagnosing the root cause of vertigo is crucial for receiving the correct treatment. Identifying and addressing the underlying issue is crucial for effective management and relief from vertigo’s uncomfortable and disorienting symptoms.
Vertigo is typically diagnosed through patient history, physical examination, and possibly laboratory tests. A healthcare provider will ask about the nature, duration, and triggering factors of the dizziness. They may perform a series of head and body movements, such as the Dix-Hallpike test, to observe the symptoms and check for nystagmus (abnormal eye movements). Additional tests like hearing exams, blood pressure measurement, and neurological tests may be conducted to identify the underlying cause. In some cases, further diagnostic tools like MRI or CT scans, vestibular testing (e.g., VNG or ENG), or audiometric tests might be used to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis. The exact approach can vary depending on the individual’s symptoms and medical history.
If you experience vertigo, it’s important to stay calm and sit or lie down immediately to reduce the risk of falling and to alleviate the spinning sensation. Avoid rapid head movements and try to focus on a stationary object to help stabilize your surroundings. If the vertigo is new or severe, seek medical attention to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Keep a record of your vertigo episodes, noting when they occur, how long they last, and any associated symptoms or triggers. This information can be valuable for healthcare professionals in diagnosing and treating your condition.
Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or engaging in activities that could be dangerous if you were to become dizzy or lose balance. Until you have been evaluated by a healthcare professional, it’s best to take precautions to prevent injuries related to dizziness or balance issues.
If you have been diagnosed with a condition that causes vertigo, follow your treatment plan as prescribed by your healthcare provider. This may include taking medication, performing specific exercises, or making lifestyle changes.
Remember, while vertigo can often be managed effectively, it’s crucial to get a proper diagnosis to address the underlying cause and to receive appropriate care.
🎁 Give the Gift of Hearing
This year, we’re giving away a free set of premium hearing aids to someone whose life could be transformed by better hearing, and we need your help to choose the recipient.
