Did you know that your hearing is connected to your overall health and well-being? Our ears are home to more than just the hearing nerve. The ears are also home to the cochlea, which is where our sense of balance comes from. Inside the cochlea are semicircular canals and the otolithic organs which are responsible for our sense of balance. Along with our sense of sight and touch, this is how our body senses movement.
Since the hearing nerve and the cochlea are located in the same area of the inner ear, does that mean hearing loss can affect our sense of balance?
Although not always, often times if you have hearing loss then you can experience balance issues as well. Problems with the inner ear that can cause hearing loss can also be responsible for balance problems. Hearing loss and balance problems do not always go together. You can have hearing loss without ever experiencing a problem with your balance, or you could have a balance disorder such as vertigo but you don't have hearing loss.
A certified audiologist can help you manage your hearing loss and can diagnose any problems you may be having with your balance. If you are unsure if you have hearing loss then a hearing test is the first step. A hearing test will allow us to identify any signs of infection or middle/inner ear damage that may have caused hearing loss or balance problems.
If you have recently experienced sudden hearing loss due to a head or ear injury, then you should seek help immediately. Any trauma to the head or ear can not only result in permanent sensorineural hearing loss, but it can also lead to vertigo and other issues with balance or dizziness.
An audiologist is trained in disorders of the ear, including balance. Audiologists are able to perform tests to diagnose any type of balance disorders such as vertigo. Because of the cochlea's location in the inner ear, it is important to have your hearing checked regularly if you experience problems with your balance. In order to be proactive about both your hearing health and your balance, it's important to schedule regular appointments with us.
Whether you have hearing loss or you are experiencing problems with your balance or feelings of dizziness, then contact our office today. Our team of professionals can help you by diagnosing any types of hearing loss and by helping you discover the cause of your dizziness. We encourage our patients to come in for annual hearing exams so we can monitor their hearing health and help them be proactive about hearing and balance.
Call us today to schedule your appointment or if you have any questions about your hearing health or balance. We are here to help you and can answer any of your questions or address any of your concerns.
