How Hearing Impacts Balance

Did you know that your hearing affects your balance? It's true! In this article, we will discuss the relationship between hearing and balance and how they work together to keep you upright and moving. We will also talk about some of the common causes of imbalance and how to correct them. If you're interested in learning more about this topic, keep reading!

What is the Relationship Between Hearing and Balance?

The relationship between hearing and balance is a complicated one. On the one hand, your sense of hearing helps you to maintain your balance by allowing you to orient yourself in space. Without being able to hear, it would be very difficult to know which way is up or where you are in relation to other objects around you. On the other hand, your sense of balance also helps to protect your ears from damage.

When you are off-balance, your body automatically tries to correct itself by moving your head in the opposite direction of the tilt. This reflexive movement protects your inner ear from being jostled too much, which could lead to hearing loss.

How do They Work Together?

So, as you can see, hearing and balance are both important for keeping you safe and healthy. But how do they work together? Let's take a closer look. Your sense of balance is controlled by a system in your body called the vestibular system. This system includes your inner ears, as well as some muscles and nerves in your head and neck.

The vestibular system works with your visual systems to help you keep your balance. For example, if you close your eyes, your vestibular system will take over to keep you from falling over.

The inner ear is the part of the vestibular system that is most important for hearing. The inner ear contains the cochlea, which is a snail-shaped organ filled with fluid. The cochlea is where sound waves are converted into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. It also contains the vestibular canals, which are three small tubes that help you keep your balance.

The vestibular canals are filled with fluid and lined with tiny hairs. When you move your head, the fluid in the canals moves too. This movement bends the hairs, which sends a signal to your brain telling you which way is up. Your sense of hearing and your sense of balance both rely on these tiny hairs in your inner ear. That's why damage to these hairs can lead to both hearing loss and balance problems.

Static and Dynamic Balance

There are two types of balance problems: static balance and dynamic balance.

• Static balance is when you are standing still or when you are moving very slowly. Your vestibular system and your visual system work together to keep you upright.
• Dynamic balance is when you are moving quickly, such as when you are walking or running.

Your vestibular system works with your muscles and joints to help you maintain your balance.

If there is a problem with any part of the vestibular system, it can lead to problems with both static and dynamic balance. This can cause dizziness, vertigo and nausea. It can also make it difficult to walk or stand up without losing your balance.

Different Causes of Balance Problems

There are many different causes of balance problems. Some common causes include:

• Inner ear infections
• Meniere's disease
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
• Labyrinthitis
• Meniere’s disease

These conditions can be caused by viral infections, head injuries or other problems. Treatment depends on the cause of the balance problem.

Common Treatments for Balance Problems

There are many different treatments for balance issues. Some common treatments include:

• Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT)
• Balance training
• Gait training
• Tai chi
• Yoga

VRT is a type of physical therapy that helps to retrain the vestibular system. Balance training and gait training help to improve your balance and coordination. Tai chi and yoga are two forms of exercise that can also help to improve your balance. These are just a few of the many different ways that you can treat balance problems. Talk to your audiologist about which treatment is right for you.

Now that you know more about the relationship between hearing and balance, you can see how important it is to protect your hearing. If you think you might have a balance problem, talk to your audiologist. They can help you find the cause and get the treatment you need. To learn more about hearing and balance, call the Physicians Hearing Center at (334) 441-4090.