The Anatomy of Hearing and Balance

Let’s start with anatomy. Hearing is controlled by your auditory system and balance by your vestibular system. Structures for both sit side-by-side above your ear canal, with the cochlea (auditory system) and semicircular canals (vestibular system) sharing a nerve connection to the brain.1 

Good hearing can help with good balance, as the vestibular system uses sound cues to aid self-orientation.3 That’s why deafness symptoms may include dizziness, vertigo and increased fall risk.2


How Can Hearing Loss Affect Balance?

The chief causes of balance disorders are inner ear problems, head injuries, ear infections, medications, arthritis, eye problems and aging.4 Of these, inner ear problems, ear infections, aging and potentially medications, can be related to changes in your hearing.

As noted above, the main ways the loss of hearing affects balance is through dizziness and vertigo, as well as an increased likelihood of falls. There are simple steps you can take that may help with this.

The first steps to take are those recommended to anyone with hearing loss:

  • Protect your ears against loud noises.
  • Remain (or become) physically and socially active.
  • Quit smoking and don’t drink too much.
  • Ensure you eat a balanced diet that contains plenty of magnesium (found in nuts and green vegetables). 

You can also start doing exercises to improve your balance, such as weight shifts, balancing on one leg or even Tai Chi, which focuses on slow and graceful movement.5

Do you suspect your hearing loss is causing balance issues? Visit your local Connect Hearing clinic, where our experienced team can help you understand what’s happening. The team may be able to recommend treatments and adjustments suited to your lifestyle that help keep both systems in the best shape possible.

References:
  1. Physio Ed (5 April 2024), Understanding the Connection Between Hearing and Balance, Physio Ed, accessed 12 July 2024. 
  2. American Academy of Audiology (n.d.), Hearing and Balance Symptoms and Conditions, American Academy of Audiology, accessed 12 July 2024.
  3. Ear and Hearing (November/December 2020), The Effects of Hearing Loss on Balance: A Critical Review, American Auditory Society, accessed 12 July 2024.
  4. Audiologists (2 May 2024), Overview of hearing loss and balance disorders, Audiologists, accessed 12 July 2024. 
  5. Mayo Clinic (20 September 2023), Balance exercises, Mayo Clinic, accessed 22 July 2023.