Understanding Hearing and Balance: How They Work Together

Balance and hearing are more connected than you may think. The anatomy of the inner ear shares structures for both hearing and balance. The inner ear houses both the cochlea, for hearing, and the vestibular system, for balance, and these structures share a fluid that helps to both detect sound vibrations and head movements. This helps the two systems work together to ensure clear communication between the brain and body.

If you have ever experienced dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo, the doctor will often ask you to get a hearing evaluation first. If the pressure of the inner ear fluid changes, it can affect both hearing and balance. During that hearing evaluation, audiologists will dive deep in the case history to find out what kind of dizziness you are experiencing, how often and for how long. This helps us gather information for the doctor to determine if this is most likely a problem with the vestibular system, or something else.

Sensory data from hearing and balance travel along a very closely knit bundle of nerve pathways. If there is a change in pressure or inflammation from fluid in this area, it can affect both your hearing and balance at the same time.

While there are conditions that can affect the inner ear, natural aging or non-ear related problems can also contribute to a sense of imbalance.

If you notice a sudden change in your hearing or balance, don’t wait! Call Sound Hearing Care to schedule a full hearing evaluation or to find out more.