Why Should You See an Audiologist for Balance Issues?

Have you experienced balance issues that have seemingly come out of nowhere? Perhaps you’ve been dealing with them for a while now, but you’ve never addressed it before? Often enough, balancing issues can usually be linked to hearing loss. Whether you’ve noticed one or the other or both, it’s beneficial to speak to an audiologist and book an appointment to see one. This guide will explain the link that’s often found with balance issues and hearing loss, along with the benefits of seeing an audiologist for your general well-being.

How are Balance Issues Connected to Hearing Loss?

The hearing system and the balance organs share a nerve pathway that goes to the brain. This is known as a vestibulocochlear nerve. While one part is dedicated to hearing, another part is dedicated to balance. However, that does mean when one of them isn’t working as it should, it usually impacts the other as they share that same nerve. So, if you’ve been having balance issues, chances are it may be linked to your hearing.

Conditions That Often Affect Both Your Hearing and Balance

There are a number of conditions that can be affected by both your hearing and balance. These include:

Acoustic neuroma

• • Meniere’s disease
  • Prolonged noise exposure

Aging

While aging can be a typical symptom of hearing and balance disorders but there are still plenty of conditions where age doesn’t matter. For example, genetic mutation could be the reason for the problem.

Why Should You See an Audiologist?

Audiologists are specialists that can treat those with hearing and balance-related issues. They are able to conduct numerous tests to discover what is going on with your hearing or balance and how it might be interconnected. From discovering earwax buildup to more serious conditions such as a damaged eardrum, audiologists are vital for your healthcare needs. Whether you think you have a problem with either your hearing or balance, visiting an audiologist on a yearly basis is helpful.

What Can You Expect When Seeing an Audiologist?

What can you expect when seeing an audiologist for the first time? Well, once you’ve found an audiologist, they’ll discuss your medical history and will ask you personally whether you’ve experienced anything that may be concerning to you. They’ll then conduct a number of physical and audible tests to figure out what might be going on with your hearing or loss of balance. After running the tests, they’ll be able to give you a diagnosis and suggest what might be the best steps to take next to help with any underlying conditions that may have been discovered during testing.

Your audiologist will be with you at every step, so it’s not just the appointment that they’ll be a part of. They’ll help you with the next steps, including that of getting a hearing aid if needed.

Book in to See an Audiologist for Your Hearing or Balance Issues

If you believe you might need to see an audiologist for your balance issues or hearing-related concerns, then be sure to book yourself in with your local audiologist!