Vertigo is a medical condition that mainly affects balance, causing a person to feel as if the surroundings they are in are moving or spinning. Experiencing vertigo is a truly unpleasant experience and may even put your safety at risk.
There is a common notion that vertigo is a disorder of the inner ear. Going deeper into details, vertigo is caused by a variety of conditions, including hearing loss. Audiologists play an integral role in the diagnosis and treatment of vertigo, as they specialize in the field of hearing and balance.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is the perception of spinning that can cause dizziness, a feeling of being unsteady, and disorientation. It is attributed to various factors, including vestibular nerve damage, damage to the inner ear, and other neurological conditions.
Symptoms of vertigo can include vomiting, nausea, sweating, and anxiety.
Is vertigo a hearing disorder?
Generally, vertigo is not a hearing disorder. However, it is often associated with hearing loss.
How so? The inner ear contains the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining spatial orientation and balance. When the vestibular system is damaged, it can cause vertigo and/or hearing loss.
Many individuals with vertigo also experience tinnitus, a perception of ringing in the ears. This happens because the same condition that causes vertigo may also affect the auditory system.
Role of Audiologists in Diagnosing Vertigo
Audiologists play a crucial role in the diagnosis of vertigo. They are trained to perform a variety of tests to determine the underlying cause of vertigo.
Some of the tests that audiologists may perform include:
- Videonystagmography (VNG): This test primarily measures eye movements to determine issues with the vestibular system.
- Audiometry: This test assesses hearing ability and can help detect if hearing loss is contributing to vertigo.
- Caloric testing: Audiologists may also perform caloric testing which involves placing cool or warm water into the ear to stimulate the vestibular system and gauge response.
- Electrophysiological tests: These tests are designed to measure the electrical activity of the auditory system which could help diagnose conditions that are attributed to vertigo, such as Meniere’s disease.
Treatment and Management of Vertigo by Audiologists
Once the underlying cause of the vertigo has been identified, audiologists can proceed to develop a treatment plan to manage the condition.
Treatment and management for vertigo may include:
- Vestibular rehabilitation therapy: This involves a variety of physical exercises to reduce vertigo symptoms and improve balance.
- Canalith repositioning maneuvers: This is a special technique that involves moving the body and head in specific ways to reposition crystals in the inner ear that may be causing vertigo.
- Medication: Vertigo symptoms can be managed by certain medications, such as vestibular suppressants and anti-nausea drugs.
- Surgery: In more extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying issue causing the vertigo.
The Connection Between Vertigo and Ear Wax
While there are many possible causes of vertigo, one lesser-known culprit is ear wax buildup.
Your inner ear plays a key role in balance, and when excessive ear wax accumulates, it can block the ear canal and affect how sound and balance signals are processed. This can lead to dizziness, unsteadiness, and even vertigo-like symptoms. The pressure from built-up ear wax may also interfere with the vestibular system, which controls balance.
If you experience sudden dizziness along with muffled hearing, a feeling of fullness in your ear, or ringing (tinnitus), impacted ear wax could be the cause. A professional ear cleaning or ear wax removal can often provide relief.
However, if vertigo persists, it may be a sign of an underlying issue, such as Ménière’s disease or vestibular neuritis, and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
If you suspect ear wax is causing your vertigo, avoid using cotton swabs, as they can push wax deeper. Instead, seek professional removal for safe and effective relief.
Cary Audiology connects you to audiologists who can perform ear wax removal in Cary, NC.
Conclusion
Vertigo is a complex medical condition that can be attributed to various factors, including hearing loss. Audiologists play an integral role in the diagnosis and management of vertigo, using their specialization in the field of hearing and balance to determine the underlying cause of the condition and create a personalized treatment plan.
If you are experiencing vertigo or other balance-related problems, we recommend seeking the help of an audiologist who can provide professional advice on effective management and treatment.
If left untreated, vertigo can have a significant effect on a person’s quality of life, causing depression, anxiety, and difficulty with everyday activities. Episodes of vertigo must be controlled because it may put one’s safety at risk, especially if dizzy spells occur while driving or in a public place.
With the help of an audiologist, patients can receive the support and care they need to manage their symptoms and regain their balance and confidence.
Audiologists in Cary, NC
Cary Audiology has audiologists that provide hearing tests, tinnitus evaluations, and many other audiology services in Cary, NC.
Contact us today to book an appointment!
