Patients With Hearing Loss May Suffer Falls or Balance Problems

Many Americans will experience temporary dizziness after a tough workout or if they stand up too quickly. But for some people, this feeling of disorientation may last for hours, or even days—especially if they show symptoms of hearing loss.

Control over balance in our bodies is maintained by an organ in the inner ear called the labyrinth. This organ communicates with the eyes, body and brain to give us a sense of position and control the necessary body movements to stay upright. However, a problem in the inner ear (such as hearing loss) can interfere with this communication, causing dizziness, falls, and chronic balance disorders.

Patients with balance disorders will often experience the following symptoms:

• Feeling woozy, giddy, or unsteady on their feet
• A feeling as if the person is falling or the room is spinning
• Inability to walk without staggering or holding onto a support
• Blurred vision
• Disorientation, confusion, or concentration problems
• Extreme nausea or vomiting
• Increased heart rate or blood pressure
• Anxiety or panic (commonly followed by fatigue or depression)

Hearing Tests Can Find the Right Treatment for Balance Disorders

There are many different causes of balance problems, and each may be treated in a different way. First, a patient should undergo medical testing to ensure that the problem is not a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as an ear infection or complication of diabetes.

Next, an audiologist should perform a comprehensive hearing and balance assessment test to determine the source of dizziness. In many cases, small interventions can make a big difference in easing symptoms. Dietary changes such as reducing sodium and caffeine intake are extremely effective, while others report increased mobility and balance as a result of using hearing aids.

At Hear Again, we are proud to provide patients in and around Corpus Christi with a free hearing exam to find the source of their problems. Call us today at (361) 232-4392 to make an appointment for your free hearing test!