About 20% of all dizziness is caused by Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) which is from a collection of debris, called “otoconia” and sometimes referred to as “ear rocks”, migrating into the semi-circular canals of the inner ear. The otoconia originates in the areas of the inner ear called the “utricle” and “saccule” but can only be displaced into the inner ear canals from the utricle. Degeneration of or damage to the utricle due to head injury, infection, or other disorders of the inner ear causes the “ear rocks” to migrate into the inner ear causing “dizziness”. Displaced otoconia (BPPV) accounts for about 50% of all dizziness in the elderly. The peak age for persons suffering from BPPV is age 60.
Dizziness (vertigo), imbalance, lightheadedness and nausea are Symptoms of BPPV and are almost always brought on by a change of position of the head with respect to gravity.
If you are suffering from dizziness you should actively seek diagnosis and treatment, taking a wait and see attitude only prolongs the agony. Once diagnosed, your doctor or your hearing care professional can recommend treatment exercises/maneuvers that can free you from this common form of dizziness.
Your balance can also be affected by your hearing loss. Your brain also uses your hearing to help keep you in balance. If you do not hear as well as you use to or hear better in one ear than the other, schedule a hearing test today.