You may or may not know, but hearing health is connected with balance.
If you’ve ever experienced Vertigo, you probably learned that it is a balance disorder (usually temporary) that causes episodes of dizziness. You may also have heard that it is somehow related to your inner ear.
Our Vestibular (balance) system orients our bodies and lets us stay upright without falling. Our sensory systems, such as our inner ears and our eyes, support our body’s balance and equilibrium and connect our brains with what is going on around us.
Johns Hopkins researchers have revealed that the fluids in our inner ears are affected by hearing loss. These fluids are what regulate our sense of balance. When there is hearing loss, balance issues may follow.
There are a few things you can do to decrease your risk of balance issues:
- Exercise. Daily movement like regular walks or trips to the gym can improve balance and will increase circulation, which assists in regulating things like inner ear fluid as well.
- When you take medications, notice how you feel. If you feel sleepy or dizzy, you might want to look into another option.
- Don’t miss your yearly hearing screenings! Also if you need hearing aids, invest in yourself and use them! Annual hearing exams are designed to alert your audiologist to any potential balance issues and hearing loss you haven’t noticed yet.
- During your annual health examination, ensure you get a vision check, as poor vision can also increase the likelihood you will have balance issues.
All health is important and our bodies are one unit with every part linked to the others. Your hearing health is an important part of your overall health, so take care of it!
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The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to audiology, feel free to contact Los Gatos Audiology, with a convenient hearing center located in Los Gatos, CA, by clicking here or by calling 408.703.0772.