Wearing hearing aids can significantly improve communication and engagement for individuals with hearing loss. Some users, however, report dizziness or unsteadiness when they begin using these devices, prompting questions about whether hearing aids can cause vertigo. This article explores the relationship between hearing aids and sensations of imbalance, explaining their interaction with the body’s balance system and when professional guidance is recommended.
Understanding Vertigo and Hearing Aids
Vertigo is a specific sensation characterized by feeling that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving, even when stationary. This differs from general dizziness, which is a broader term encompassing lightheadedness or unsteadiness. Vertigo often originates from issues within the inner ear, which plays a significant role in maintaining balance.
Hearing aids are small electronic devices designed to amplify sounds and deliver them to the ear. Their goal is to improve hearing and speech comprehension for individuals with hearing impairment.
How Hearing Aids Interact with Balance
Hearing aids generally do not directly cause vertigo. However, they can influence or exacerbate vertigo-like symptoms. This is often related to the brain’s adjustment to new auditory input and the physical presence of the device in the ear.
One factor is the sudden sound amplification. The brain needs time to adjust to new volumes or frequencies. This adjustment period can temporarily affect spatial awareness or balance perception, as the inner ear is involved in both hearing and balance. Improperly calibrated settings can also overwhelm the auditory system, potentially leading to dizziness.
Another common experience is the occlusion effect, the sensation of a plugged ear. This occurs when a hearing aid seals off the ear canal, causing self-generated noises to sound amplified, hollow, or distorted. This altered perception can contribute to feelings of disequilibrium or fullness in the ear.
Improper fit can also contribute to discomfort and indirectly affect balance. If a device is too loose or too tight, it can create pressure on the ear canal, leading to physical discomfort or a sense of imbalance. New users often experience an adjustment period as their brain adapts to amplified sounds and the physical presence of the hearing aids. These initial feelings typically resolve within a few weeks as the brain acclimates.
Hearing aids do not cause pre-existing balance disorders. However, if an individual has an underlying vestibular issue, such as Meniere’s disease or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), hearing aid use might make them more aware of these conditions. Vertigo is frequently a symptom of inner ear problems that can coexist with hearing loss.
When to Seek Professional Advice
If you experience vertigo or persistent dizziness while wearing hearing aids, seeking professional advice is important. Consult both an audiologist and a medical doctor to determine the cause and recommend appropriate steps.
An audiologist can assess the hearing aid’s fit, programming, and overall function. They can make necessary adjustments to the device’s settings, such as reducing amplification or modifying frequency response, to minimize discomfort or sound-related issues.
A medical doctor, particularly an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, can investigate and rule out other potential medical causes of vertigo. Vertigo can stem from various underlying conditions, including inner ear disorders like Meniere’s disease or vestibular neuritis. A doctor can provide a comprehensive medical diagnosis and recommend treatment for any underlying health concerns contributing to the vertigo.