We’ve all experienced the occasional bout of dizziness or lightheadedness from standing up too quickly or not eating enough. However, if you deal with frequent spells of feeling as though the room is spinning, you may be dealing with vertigo.
Because vertigo is often associated with issues related to the inner ear, some people worry that wearing hearing aids might cause symptoms. However, hearing aids do not cause or worsen vertigo and may, in fact, improve your balance.
Let’s take a closer look at the causes of symptoms of vertigo as well as how hearing aids can benefit you.
What Does Vertigo Feel Like?
Unlike generic dizziness or lightheadedness, vertigo is the very specific sensation of feeling as though you or your surroundings are moving, even though no movement is taking place. Additionally, people experiencing vertigo may have accompanying symptoms such as:
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Feeling pressure in the ears
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in one or both ears)
- Double vision or trouble focusing your vision
- Temporary hearing loss
Vertigo is often intense but short-lived, lasting between several seconds to a few minutes. However, some people experience frequent or prolonged episodes that can be debilitating.
What Causes Vertigo?
Vertigo is a symptom of other underlying conditions. If you have central vertigo, it occurs because of an issue affecting the brain. If you have peripheral vertigo, it relates to a condition affecting the inner ear.
The inner plays an important part in the vestibular system and helps to provide information to your brain about balance and movement. Damage to the inner can lead to balance problems, including vertigo. Specific ear-related conditions that can cause vertigo include, but are limited to,
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
- Labyrinthitis
- Ménière’s disease
However, having an object like a hearing aid inside your ear does not cause vertigo or worsen any vertigo symptoms.
Hearing Aids May Improve Your Balance
Research has shown that hearing aids can actually help with balance. One study examined the effect of hearing aids on postural stability in older patients with hearing loss. They found that those who used hearing aids improved static balance function.
Using hearing aids helps you feel oriented and confident in your surroundings. This can reduce your risk of falls and make it easier to do things like:
- Play with your grandchildren
- Take a yoga class
- Go to the gym
- Hike through Stone State Park
To learn more about how hearing aids may improve your balance and help treat your hearing loss, call Ear, Nose & Throat Consultants today.