Nearly half of all Americans will be affected by dizziness or balance problems at some point during their lifetime. Many of these episodes are caused by a problem within the patient’s vestibular system.
The vestibular system provides sensory information to the brain about motion, equilibrium, and spatial orientation. It is made up of the fluid-filled tubes within the inner ear known as the labyrinth and includes the semicircular canals, the utricle, and saccule.
A 2012 study of older adults conducted by Johns Hopkins School of Health found that those with mild hearing loss are three times more likely to experience a fall than those with normal hearing. Those who treat their hearing loss with hearing devices often see an improvement in their balance.
Researchers believe that hearing loss correlates with falls because it lowers your patients’ overall awareness of their surroundings and increases their cognitive burden. In order to correctly identify the root cause of your unexplained dizziness or balance issues, a visit to an audiologist is essential.
Audiologists have the tools and expertise necessary to provide you with personalized treatment options, helping you get back on your feet faster. Audiologists are certified and licensed professionals with advanced degrees who are experts in all areas of hearing health care. Only audiologists provide the follow-up care so crucial to a patient’s long-term hearing health.
Call Hearing Focused at (262) 679-8888 for more information or to schedule an appointment.