Hearing loss can affect more than your ability to hear, it can also affect spatial awareness and balance. Both the ears and the balance system are housed within the inner ear, meaning that damage to one part of this system can affect the other. Understanding this connection is important, especially if you experience both hearing loss and difficulties with balance. Let’s explore the link between these two conditions and what you can do to manage them.
About Balance
The inner ear plays a key role in both hearing and balance. Specifically, the vestibular system in the inner ear is responsible for sending signals to the brain about body movements and position. The body also uses vision and other sensory input to regulate balance, and additionally, studies show as other senses diminish over time, hearing plays an even greater role in balance. This system helps us maintain our balance, allowing us to stay upright and move smoothly. When the inner ear or other parts of the body experience damage or dysfunction, it can affect balance.
Conditions Affecting Balance
Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. As people age, the inner ear hair cells responsible for transmitting sounds to the brain become irreversibly damaged. Since the systems controlling both hearing and balance are shared, this could have an impact on balance. Additional factors impacting balance include:
- Reduced auditory input to the brain reduces spatial awareness, leading to balance issues.
- Hearing loss can lead to listening fatigue and can be overwhelming cognitively. This could leave fewer mental resources for balance-related input to the brain and leave you less aware of your surroundings.
- Difficulty hearing environmental cues like footsteps can make navigating certain situations less safe and a higher risk for balance issues.
- Hearing loss often increases social isolation, which can decrease physical activity. Decreased further activity can weaken muscles and coordination, leading to an increase in balance issues.
Managing the connection between hearing loss and balance issues begins with seeking appropriate medical care. If you notice symptoms of both hearing loss and balance issues, it’s important to consult with an audiologist. They can perform tests to assess both your hearing and vestibular function and recommend treatment options. Hearing aids, for example, can improve your auditory awareness.
To learn more about hearing loss and to schedule a hearing evaluation today, contact M.K. Larson Audiology.
