Do you feel that the room is suddenly spinning or you’re about to be out of balance? You might be experiencing vertigo. People diagnosed with vertigo are at high risk for falls, slips, and accidents.
What is vertigo?
Is vertigo a symptom or a condition? Technically, vertigo is more of a symptom, arising due to an existing medical condition. Most individuals who are experiencing vertigo and related symptoms have issues in their inner ear.
This leads us to the question – is vertigo a hearing disorder?
In the simplest sense, no. However, vertigo may result from a hearing disorder. Hearing and balance are closely connected, for the reason that the body parts responsible for hearing and balance are located in the inner ear.
The Inner Ear and Vestibular System
The inner ear consists of three main parts – the hearing portion consisting of the cochlea, the balance portion featuring the semicircular canals, and the nerves connected to the brain.
A person with inner ear problems may experience hearing loss, dizziness, and vertigo. The symptoms may be mild or severe, with some individuals feeling that they don’t have the capability to walk or stand upright.
The cochlea and the vestibule share an otic vesicle and various physiological or morphological properties such as the hair cells, endolymph, and mechano-transduction. This means that if any issues occur within the balance system, the hearing system will be affected and vice versa.
What is the most common inner ear problem?
Common inner ear balance problems include:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): Also referred to as positional vertigo, BPPB is a spinning sensation in your head. This is the most common type of vertigo.
- Meniere’s disease: This causes several episodes of vertigo, along with tinnitus, hearing loss, and a sensation of ear pressure.
- Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis: These occur when there is an inflammation in the hearing and balance nerves. When there is an inflammation in the nerves of the inner ear, it could result in vertigo, sudden hearing loss, and balance problems.
- Superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD): This is a rare condition where an individual has an absence of the bone that covers the superior semicircular canal. With SSCD, an individual may experience a variety of unusual symptoms, such as hearing loss, pressure- or sound-induced vertigo, ear pressure, or hearing their own body mechanics such as breathing and blinking.
What can trigger vertigo?
To better understand vertigo, it’s important to know that the brain plays a big role in the emergence of this symptom. When the brain doesn’t match up with the situation that the body is experiencing, it may trigger benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BBPV – the most common form of vertigo), Meniere’s disease, and vestibular neuritis.
BBPV is usually triggered by specific changes in head position – when it is tilted sidewards, downwards, or upwards. Sudden changes in position when lying down or trying to get up from a lying or sitting position may also trigger vertigo.
BBPV and Calcium
When calcium builds up in the inner ear canals, BBPV occurs. This causes brief bouts of dizziness that can last between 20 seconds to 1 minute. This may just seem to be like a short period of time, but when it happens to a person in public places or while driving, it can be very hazardous.
Vertigo Symptoms
People with vertigo describe it as a feeling of –
- Spinning
- Swaying
- Tilting
- Being off-balance
Other symptoms that may manifest with vertigo include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Nystagmus (abnormal or jerking eye movements)
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Hearing loss
For frequent episodes of dizziness, vomiting, and nausea, a medical consult should be done ASAP as these could also be symptoms of high blood pressure.
Audiologists in Valencia, CA
If you are experiencing symptoms of vertigo or any other signs of hearing and balance concerns, seek professional help.
Santa Clarita Hearing Center has audiologists in Valencia, CA, who can help diagnose and treat hearing and balance disorders.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
