You might be surprised to learn that the ear is not just for hearing—it also plays a substantial role in your sense of balance. Our balance system, called the vestibular system, has a main organ in the inner ear called the labyrinth. Because the auditory (hearing) system and the vestibular system reside right next to each other, it often happens that hearing loss and balance issues occur at the same time. Let’s discuss why this is.
The Labyrinth
Inside the inner ear, there is the cochlea, the main organ of the auditory system, and the labyrinth, a main organ in the vestibular system.
The labyrinth is comprised of two otolith organs and three semicircular canals. These are filled with fluid, which ripples and sloshes around as we move. Shaking your head, falling, spinning, accelerating in a car or lying down are all actions that would cause that fluid to move. Sensory cells “read” the movements of the fluid to orient which way is up, which way is down and which way you’re going, and then the sensory cells transmit that information to the brain.
How the Labyrinth and the Cochlea Connect
One of the main ways the labyrinth and cochlea connect is through their shared nerve pathway. Both the cochlea and the labyrinth transmit information to the brain, and they use the same nerve pathway to do so. Because of this, damage to either organ or to the shared nerve pathway can cause both balance disorders and hearing loss.
Factors from the surrounding area can also impact both the labyrinth and the cochlea. Inflammation or growths (such as tumors) in or near the inner ear can crowd and put pressure on them, or a nearby infection could harm the area.
Conditions That Affect Both Hearing and Balance
- Ménière’s disease. When extra fluid builds up in the inner ear, it can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo.
- Acoustic neuroma. These are benign tumors that grow on the nerve shared by the cochlea and the labyrinth.
- Loud noise exposure. While it’s well-known that loud noise can cause hearing loss, it is also capable of damaging cells in the labyrinth.
- Infections. Some viral and bacterial infections that occur in or around the inner ear can cause lasting damage. These include cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus and meningitis.
- Ototoxic drugs. There are many medications that are known to cause damage to the inner ear, affecting both the cochlea and the labyrinth.
- Aging. As we age, the cells in our bodies deteriorate and die out. Balance issues and hearing loss are very prominent in adults over the age of 65.
When To Seek Help
If you’ve noticed any change regarding your hearing or balance, it’s wise to talk to a health professional about it. Talk to your primary care provider about balance issues, and consult an audiologist about your hearing. You may discover that the two conditions are connected. Contact Decibel Hearing Services to learn more.