Why Should You See an Audiologist for Balance Issues?

Your sense of balance is closely linked with your hearing and inner ear. Audiologists are experts at diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the inner ear, and this includes balance. So, if you are experiencing issues with your balance, vertigo or general dizziness, you should schedule an appointment with your audiologist for an assessment. 

How are balance and hearing connected?

Your ears are a really important part of a series of systems that work together to create your sense of balance. Alongside the eyes and brain, you need balance to stop yourself from feeling disorientated, getting dizzy or from falling over. If you have ever had vertigo, Meniere’s or labyrinthitis, you will know firsthand how your inner ear affects your balance. 

An infection or imbalance in your inner ear can make you feel sick and dizzy and unsteady on your feet or just be a mild nuisance. But it is best to get the cause checked by an audiologist to get the best treatment options. 

What causes issues with your balance?

Balance issues can be caused by several things, including infections, the dislodging of the natural calcium crystals and damage to the structure of the ear. Common balance disorders are:

• Vertigo
• Vestibular neuritis 
• Labyrinthitis
• Meniere’s 
• Mal de debarquement (MDD)
• Leaking of fluid from the inner ear to the middle ear

Visiting an audiologist

Unless you are also experiencing other medical symptoms, you should see an audiologist if you are experiencing issues with your balance. They will be able to assess the extent of your balance capabilities and conduct a number of tests to diagnose if the cause is related to your ears. 

Treatment

The course of treatment will depend on what is causing you issues with your balance. These can include referring you to another specialist or creating a treatment plan to rehabilitate your sense of balance and make you feel less disorientated. This is sometimes referred to as vestibular rehabilitation. 

You’ll learn to focus your vision, orient yourself in a space and complete various physical exercises through these movements. 

If you are living with balance issues for the longer term, your audiologist will be able to recommend ways to make changes to your everyday routine that can improve your condition. This includes sleeping with your head at a slightly elevated position and learning how to move and complete everyday actions such as lifting objects or exercising. 

Balance issues are quite common, and many people will experience them at some point in their lives. There can numerous causes, some of which are medical, some related to injury, but many are connected to the ear. By visiting an audiologist, they’ll be able to conduct the necessary tests to determine what is causing your ear and how likely it is that the condition can be cured. If you experience balance issues long-term, then they can work with you to adapt your lifestyle and minimize any disruption.