Dizziness linked to hearing problems

Businessman feeling sick in office

“Dizziness has many possible causes, including inner disturbances, motion sickness, and medication effects,” explains the Mayo Clinic.  “How dizziness makes you feel, your triggers, and how long the dizzy spells last provide clues for possible causes.”

           Inner ear imbalances are often linked to dizziness — that uncomfortable woozy, light-headed, spinning sensation.  Dizziness isn’t a disease, but a symptom of various problems.

           The Mayo Clinic says, “Your sense of balance depends on the combined input from the various parts of your sensory system.  These include your eyes; sensory nerves, which send messages to your brain about body movements and positions; and your inner ear, which houses sensors that help detect gravity and back-and-forth motion.

           “Vertigo is that false sense that your surroundings are spinning or moving.  With inner ear disorders, your brain receives signals from the inner ear that aren’t consistent with what your eyes and sensory nerves are receiving.  Vertigo is what results as your brain works to sort out the confusion.”

           The Mayo Clinic states that a viral infection of the ear’s vestibular nerve can cause intense, constant vertigo.  Meniere’s disease, where excessive inner ear fluid builds up, may cause sudden episodes of vertigo, lasting for several hours.  Meniere’s may also cause fluctuating hearing loss, ringing in the ears, and the feeling of a ‘plugged’ ear.

           Dramatic blood pressure drops, anxiety, sedatives, dehydration, and low iron levels may also contribute to dizziness.

           People experiencing sudden, severe dizziness should seek medical attention.  Mild cases, coupled with light-headedness, may be relieved by lying down briefly, which allows more blood to flow to your brain, recommends WebMD.  Slowly sit up, then stand.  For dizziness with a spinning sensation, don’t lie flat, but prop yourself up slightly.  Move slowly to avoid falling, and call your doctor if fainting, nausea, or vomiting develop.

For more information, contact Susan Rogan Hearing, (630) 969-1677 for the Westmont office, (708) 588-0155 for LaGrange Park, or visit www.susanroganhearing.com.

It's only fair to share...Share on Facebook0Tweet about this on TwitterShare on LinkedIn0Email this to someone

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *