Dizziness can have many causes–is it the ear?
Dizziness has many different possible causes; it can be from anemia, head trauma, circulation issues, medications, or even anxiety. Dizziness is defined by various symptoms, including a false sense of motion or spinning, drowsiness and heaviness, a loss of balance, and lightheadedness.
Types of Inner Ear Problems That Cause Dizziness
Inner Ear Infection
Inner ear infections can come from the throat, nose, mouth, or outer ear. The most common symptoms of an ear infection is pain, hearing loss, pressure, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. If the infection affects the inner ear, where organs controlling balance are, then it would cause dizziness.
Vestibular Neuritis
Vestibular neuritis particularly pertains to balance. It is when the vestibulocochlear nerve, the nerve that relays messages from the inner ear to the brain about balance, is inflamed. It is thought that vestibular neuritis is caused by a viral infection. It often clears up in a couple of weeks, but some experience chronic dizziness for months. The best treatments are mainly physical therapy and anti-nausea medication.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a more common vestibular disorder. In many cases, people do not know what causes it, aside from that it was often brought on by a blow to the head. In other cases, it is because the tiny crystals in the otolith organs have been dislodged and distort your sense of gravity. The main symptom of BPPV is vertigo when moving or moving a certain way. It can go on its own or through the Epley Maneuver.
Migraine
Chemicals, hormones, and overexertion are just a few categories of causes of migraines. These headaches can also involve dizziness and sensitivity to light. Migraines can come and go and last for a very short or an extended time.
Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s disease happens for unknown reasons. It is a buildup of fluid in the inner ear that has difficulty draining. It involves both some level of vertigo and hearing loss for as long as several hours at a time.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
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