Vertigo is a balance disorder where an individual is feeling dizzy or off balance. It can be a symptom of an ear infection or damage but is not caused by hearing loss. Nearly 40% of Americans will or have experienced vertigo at least once in their lifetime.
If you believe you are suffering from vertigo and are unsure of the symptoms, included below are just a few:
- Spinning sensation
- Jerky eye movements
- Nausea
- Ear ringing
- Feeling pulled
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance
Vertigo is commonly linked to issues with the ear such as problems in the inner ear, brain or sensory nerve. Hearing loss can cause balance problems such as vertigo. Even problems you have with your inner ear can cause hearing loss which in return can cause vertigo. Here are inner ear problems in which vertigo is a symptom:
- Meniere’s disease (fluid buildup and pressure in the inner ear)
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BBPV) (calcium deposits in the ear)
- Labyrinthitis (inflammation in the inner ear that can cause infection)
You can experience permanent hearing loss due to vertigo. Seventy-five percent of patients who suffer from vertigo have hearing impairment. Fortunately, hearing aids can help the vertigo. Even though some people think hearing aids can cause vertigo they actually do not. They may be able to help with the symptoms, but hearing aids are not a treatment for vertigo. You may experience vertigo or dizziness with hearing aids, but it only means your device needs to be adjusted by an audiologist. Vertigo is treatable and if you continue to experience vertigo it is probably due to more serious conditions.
If you are from South Florida or are in the area and in need of a hearing aid, phone New Generation Hearing Center for a free consultation with one of our dedicated audiologists.
