I’m feeling dizzy; is it my hearing?

Dizziness is, unfortunately, a symptom for countless conditions and illness’ so it is definitely not advisable to just search for “why am I dizzy” online. You could return a whole host of answers from having a stroke to just being hungry. It is important to note any / all of the other symptoms that you are experiencing to really understand what it is that is causing your dizziness. You may be surprised to hear that dizziness is the third most common complaint across all age groups (behind back pain and headaches).

Change to the inner ear

Studies have shown that around 85% of dizziness / vertigo episodes are caused because of a change within the inner ear. More often that not, this is due to a shift in the fluid above the cochlea which can make you feel off-balance. If your dizziness is accompanied with a change to your hearing or a ringing in your ears, we can be pretty sure that it is being caused by a vestibular disorder. Luckily, this type of dizziness can be assessed by an Audiologist and is, most likely, treatable. Around 25% of people who suffer from migraines suffer with vertigo because of them. There are lots of tests that can be done to fully determine what is going on inside your ear and then a treatment plan can be put in place to hopefully sort out any issues.

Non-ear related issues

There are so many other reasons why you could be experiencing dizziness that are completely unrelated to your ears and hearing. A low blood sugar level or low blood pressure could be the cause. Another reason you could be experiencing dizzy spells is due to anxiety; these spells can even result in fainting episodes during anxiety attacks. If you suspect that your dizziness may be being caused by anxiety, it’s really important to speak to your GP so you can 1, get help and 2, ensure there are no other underlying issues.

See the doctor

When you are sure that your dizzy spells are not just a one-off occurrence, you really need to seek medical assistance. This is particularly important the older you are; this is because falls become more dangerous for you as you age. Sadly falls are the leading cause of death for people aged 65 and over with dizziness being the number one complaint for those aged 70 and over. You will know your body better than anyone else so if you are having any doubts, you should definitely seek help. If you experience any of the following symptoms alongside dizzy spells, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention:

• Blurred vision
• Slurred speech
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Numbness or tingling
• Impaired mobility
• Sudden confusion
• Loss of consciousness

If you believe you are experiencing dizzy spells due to an issue with your ears or your hearing, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we will do our best to advise you.

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