When most people think about ears, hearing is the first thing that comes to mind. But your ears do more than just pick up sound — they also play a vital role in keeping you balanced.
Every time you walk, run, or even stand still, your inner ear is working quietly behind the scenes to help you stay upright and steady. At Coastal Hearing, we often see patients who don’t realise that dizziness, vertigo, or unsteadiness can be linked to the delicate balance system inside the ear.
The Inner Ear’s Balance System
Inside your inner ear, next to the cochlea (the part responsible for hearing), lies the vestibular system. This includes:
- Semicircular canals – three tiny loops filled with fluid that detect head rotation.
- Otolith organs – sensitive to gravity and linear movement, helping you sense whether you’re moving up, down, forwards, or backwards.
- Vestibular nerve – sends these signals to your brain, which works with your eyes and muscles to maintain stability.
When this system works properly, you can move around with ease, even in the dark or on uneven ground.
What Happens When the Balance System is Disrupted?
If something affects the vestibular system — such as an ear infection, inner ear disorder, or even a head injury — you may experience:
- Vertigo – a spinning sensation, even when you’re still
- Unsteadiness or loss of coordination
- Nausea or motion sickness
- Blurred vision when moving
Some conditions linked to balance problems include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Ménière’s disease, and vestibular neuritis.
When to Seek Help
Persistent dizziness or unsteadiness should never be ignored. While some balance problems resolve on their own, others need assessment and treatment. At Coastal Hearing, we can:
- Carry out hearing and balance checks
- Assess for conditions affecting the inner ear
- Provide advice or refer you to the right specialist if needed
Looking After Your Balance Health
- Protect your ears – avoid prolonged loud noise exposure and treat ear infections promptly.
- Stay active – gentle movement helps keep your balance system sharp.
- Hydrate – dehydration can worsen dizziness.
- Get regular check-ups – especially if you’ve had unexplained dizziness before.
Your ears are amazing — they help you enjoy conversations, listen to music, and stay on your feet. If you’re having trouble with dizziness, vertigo, or balance, our team is here to help you find steady ground again.
Coastal Hearing – caring for your ears, your hearing, and your balance.