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Because the inner ear plays a key role in balance, audiology can often help identify the cause of these symptoms and guide patients toward appropriate care.
What is the difference between vertigo and dizziness?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they describe different sensations.
Dizziness usually refers to a feeling of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or imbalance. Some people describe it as feeling faint or as if they might lose their balance.
Vertigo, on the other hand, typically creates the sensation that the room is spinning or that you are moving when you are actually still. This sensation of movement can sometimes be triggered by certain head positions and may be accompanied by nausea or difficulty maintaining balance.
Understanding the type of sensation you are experiencing can help healthcare professionals identify the possible cause.
The role of the inner ear in balance
Maintaining balance requires coordination between several systems in the body:
- the eyes, which provide visual orientation
- the muscles and joints, which inform the brain about body position
- the inner ear, which detects head movement
Inside the inner ear is the vestibular system, a group of specialized structures that send signals to the brain about motion and spatial orientation.
When this system is not functioning properly, the brain may receive conflicting information about movement and position. This can result in symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems.
Common causes of vertigo
There are many possible causes of vertigo and dizziness. Some of the most common are related to the inner ear.
These include:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
One of the most common causes of vertigo. It often occurs when changing head position, such as lying down, sitting up, or looking upward.
Ménière’s disease
This condition can cause episodes of vertigo along with hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and a sensation of pressure in the ear.
Inner ear infections or inflammation
Certain infections can affect the vestibular system and lead to sudden vertigo.
Vestibular migraine
In some individuals, migraines can cause episodes of dizziness or vertigo, even without a headache.
Vertigo may also be associated with other factors such as medications, blood pressure changes, or neurological conditions.
When should you seek help for vertigo or dizziness?
It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional if:
- vertigo occurs frequently
- symptoms last for several days
- dizziness causes falls or significant imbalance
- symptoms occur with hearing loss, tinnitus, or ear pressure
An evaluation can help determine the possible cause and guide the most appropriate treatment or management plan.
How audiologists can help
Audiologists are healthcare professionals specialized in hearing and balance. They play an important role in the evaluation of vestibular disorders.
During an appointment, an audiologist may:
- review your symptoms and medical history
- perform hearing tests
- conduct balance and vestibular assessments
- determine whether the symptoms may be related to the inner ear
- recommend the next steps or referrals if needed
This type of assessment can often help patients better understand the source of their symptoms and move toward appropriate care.
Understanding your symptoms is the first step
Vertigo and dizziness can be distressing, but in many cases they have an identifiable cause. A professional evaluation can help clarify what may be happening and determine the most appropriate course of action.
If you are experiencing vertigo or ongoing dizziness, an audiology consultation can be an important first step in evaluating the role of the inner ear in your balance symptom.
Clinique Audia – Audiology in Montreal
Ava Azarnia and Shabnam Arzani
Audiologists and cofounders of Clinique Audia