WHAT DOES BALANCE HAVE TO DO WITH HEARING HEALTH?

April 8, 2019

Did you know that balance and hearing health are connected?

You may have heard of (or eve experienced) Vertigo, and you have probably learned that it affects balance and cause episodes of dizziness. You may also know that it has something to do with your inner ear.

Our balance (or Vestibular) system is what orients our bodies and allows us to stay upright and move without falling. Our body’s equilibrium and balance are assisted by our sensory systems, including the eyes and inner ears, which connect our surroundings with the brain.

The National Institute on Aging as well as Johns Hopkins research have discovered that hearing loss can affect the fluids in our inner ears, which regulate our sense of balance. So when there is hearing loss, there may also be accompanying balance issues.

Fortunately there are a few ways to cut your risk of balance issues causing a problem:

  • Pay attention to how you feel when you take any medications. If dizziness or sleepiness follows taking any of them, consult your doctor about whether there may be another option that doesn’t cause these symptoms.
  • Get moving. Regular exercise can not only improve balance, it can also get your blood flowing, which helps to regulate other things, like inner ear fluid.
  • Make sure a vision check is included in your yearly health exam, because poor vision can increase risk of balance issues or a fall as well.
  • Always keep your annual hearing screenings and use hearing devices if you need them. Your yearly hearing exam could alert the doctor to impending balance issues as well as hearing loss that you haven’t noticed yet.

Since all health is important, and often one problem is linked to another, ensuring your hearing health is an important part of your overall health.

The first step to halting hearing loss and preventing further damage is to recognize your situation. Come in today for a hearing screening and formulate a strategy to train your brain to listen actively and effectively.

Diablo Hearing Services   2301 Camino Ramon, STE 106   San Ramon  (925) 394-4646

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