Healthy Hearing & Equilibrium

They’re More Connected Than You Might Think

It’s easy to take balance for granted. As a fundamental ability, balance goes beyond simply standing. It can play a role in walking, running, dancing, playing sports, building self-confidence, adapting to various physical environments, supporting teamwork, and even fostering social connections. 

On the flip side, however, poor balance can lead to falls, injury, reduced independence, and a host of other potential problems. It may also be a sign of underlying issues such as hearing loss, making it important to stay atop your hearing health. To help you put your best foot forward this year, we’re sharing some thoughts on getting your balance in high gear.

Learn more about healthy balance, including why hearing plays such an important part and what you can do to protect your footing for an empowering 2025.

 

Balance 101: What Keeps You Steady?

Equilibrium or balance is controlled by the body’s vestibular system, involving parts of the body such as the brain, eyes, inner-ear structures, skin, muscles, and more. The vestibular system helps keep you upright, coordinate movement, perceive motion, and control posture. It also works with crucial functions such as vision to help you make sense of your surroundings. 

Symptoms of a vestibular disorder can vary per person. Some complaints may include dizziness, falling, vertigo, disequilibrium, spatial disorientation, hearing problems, tinnitus, or difficulty seeing. Research also links vestibular dysfunction to cognitive problems, such as trouble paying attention or remembering things.

 

Links Between Hearing & Balance

Because the vestibular system includes parts of the inner ear — for example, semicircular canals that aid in maintaining balance and detecting rotational head movement — it’s no wonder that the ears could affect both your hearing and equilibrium. Hearing loss may also hinder crucial cues the ears receive and use to aid in balance.

A critical public-health issue associated with hearing loss and balance? Falls. Among older adults, for example, researchers in a 2023-published study noted a 2.4 times higher risk of falls when hearing loss is in the picture. An unrelated investigation released in 2012 involving adults aged 40 to 69 found that even mild hearing loss could mean a tripled risk of falling.

 

Understanding Vertigo: A Deeper Dive

Vertigo is a specific form of dizziness that makes you feel like the world around you is spinning — even when you’re perfectly still. It can disrupt daily life, making it difficult to walk, drive, or even sit up comfortably. Understanding the causes and options for care can be life-changing.

A common question is, “Is vertigo hereditary?” In some cases, yes — certain forms of vertigo, such as vestibular migraine or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), may have a familial component, suggesting a possible genetic predisposition. If multiple people in your family have experienced vertigo or similar balance-related symptoms, it may be worth discussing this with a health care provider.

Another frequent concern is, “Can allergies cause vertigo?” Allergies can trigger inflammation or fluid buildup in the inner ear, potentially affecting the vestibular system and leading to vertigo. This is especially true for individuals prone to inner-ear sensitivity or sinus congestion during allergy season.

Likewise, “Can tinnitus cause vertigo?” While tinnitus — a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears — doesn’t always occur alongside vertigo, it can be a symptom of inner-ear disorders like Ménière’s disease, which also includes episodes of vertigo and fluctuating hearing loss.

When symptoms strike, it’s natural to search for answers. Many people type “vertigo specialist near me” into search engines, hoping for fast relief. And that’s a great instinct — an audiologist or ENT specialist trained in vestibular disorders can perform the necessary evaluations to pinpoint the root cause and recommend a treatment plan. That might include vestibular rehabilitation therapy, medication, lifestyle adjustments, or in some cases, hearing aids.

 

Can Stress Cause Vertigo?

Absolutely — stress can play a significant role in triggering or worsening vertigo. When your body experiences high levels of stress or anxiety, it responds by releasing hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can affect the vestibular system, which governs balance and spatial orientation. In some individuals, this may result in feelings of dizziness, lightheadedness, or true vertigo — that spinning sensation commonly associated with inner-ear disorders.

Stress-induced vertigo may be linked to conditions like vestibular migraine or persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD), a chronic form of dizziness that’s often worsened by anxiety or visual stimuli like busy patterns or crowded spaces. In PPPD, the symptoms tend to linger for weeks or months and may intensify with emotional distress.

The inner ear and brain work together to process sensory input about motion and position. When stress interferes with this process — by causing muscle tension, shallow breathing, changes in blood pressure, or sleep disruption — it can throw the balance system off-kilter. This is especially true in individuals who are already prone to vestibular issues or have a history of anxiety-related disorders.

It’s important to note that while stress can exacerbate vertigo, it is not always the sole cause. Vertigo symptoms should never be dismissed or solely attributed to stress without a thorough evaluation. An audiologist or medical provider can help determine whether your dizziness stems from vestibular dysfunction, stress, another medical condition, or a combination of factors.

If stress seems to be a trigger, strategies like mindfulness, breathing exercises, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes can provide relief. Addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of vertigo can lead to better outcomes — and a more stable, balanced you.

 

Taking Charge of Your Balance

The good news? Prioritizing your hearing health this year may also help you stay steady on your feet.

A growing body of research connects improved hearing to a lower risk of falls. One investigation ties the use of hearing aids to a 13% reduced risk of fall-related injuries among older adults, reinforcing the technology’s potential dual benefits for hearing and safety. And the 2023-released study mentioned earlier found a 50% reduced risk of falling among hearing-aid wearers.

Some other important steps to help protect your balance in 2025 and beyond:

• Install motion-sensing night-lights around walking areas
• Secure any throw rugs to prevent shifting & use nonslip mats in bathrooms
• Turn lights on when entering a room, or ensure adequate natural lighting
• Mount handrails along stairs & in bathrooms
• Wipe up spills immediately
• Wear comfortable, quality footwear with a good grip
• Address any foot pain with expert medical help
• Check for uneven or cluttered surfaces before walking
• Schedule regular eye-care and other medical appointments for optimal function

 

A Brighter, Balanced Future

If you or a loved one has experienced dizziness, vertigo, unsteadiness, or new hearing changes, don’t wait — seek professional support. The link between hearing and balance is strong, and taking steps now can help you avoid serious consequences later.

By prioritizing hearing health, staying aware of your surroundings, and asking the right questions, you’ll be better equipped to live a confident, balanced life.

Many balance problems can be successfully managed and even prevented. If you want to discover more about dizziness, loss of balance, and vertigo, we invite you to visit Trinity Hearing & Balance online to learn more.