6 Medical Conditions That Can Affect Hearing and Balance

Hearing loss and balance disorders are often linked to common causes like aging or prolonged exposure to loud noise. However, several lesser-known medical conditions can also contribute to these issues.
Understanding these underlying causes is crucial for early diagnosis and effective treatment. Below, we explore six important diseases that may affect your hearing health and balance function, all of which are essential to know about for maintaining overall wellness.
1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
One of the most
frequent causes of vertigo is BPPV. It
occurs when tiny calcium crystals, known as otoconia, become dislodged and move
into the inner ear canals. This affects your sense of balance, leading to
dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea, especially when changing head
positions.
BPPV often resolves on its own but can be treated with vestibular rehabilitation exercises, medications, or, in rare cases, surgery.
2. Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is
an infection or inflammation of the inner ear, often caused by viral or
bacterial infections. It disrupts the inner ear's ability to send accurate
hearing and balance signals to the brain. Symptoms include sudden hearing loss,
dizziness, tinnitus, and even blurred vision.
Prompt medical
treatment using antivirals, antibiotics, and anti-nausea medications can often
prevent permanent damage.
3. Ménière’s Disease
Ménière’s disease
is a chronic inner ear disorder characterized by vertigo attacks, fluctuating
hearing loss, tinnitus, and a sensation of fullness in the ear. While its exact
cause is unknown, it’s believed to be linked to fluid buildup in the inner ear.
Treatment typically includes medications for vertigo, hearing aids to manage hearing loss, and in more severe cases, surgery.
Also Read: Exploring Hearing Loss and the Human Hearing Range
4. Acoustic Neuroma
An acoustic
neuroma is a non-cancerous tumor that grows on the hearing and balance nerve.
Though rare, it can cause gradual hearing loss, tinnitus, and unsteadiness.
Treatment options include monitoring, radiation therapy, or surgical removal, depending on the size and progression of the tumor.
5. Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease (AIED)
AIED is a rare
condition where the body's immune system attacks the inner ear. Symptoms
include progressive hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues.
Diagnosis usually involves audiometry, blood tests, and a trial of corticosteroids. Treatment may also involve immunosuppressive therapy, hearing aids, or cochlear implants.
Also Read : 8 Tips for Better Hearing in 2025 | Aanvii Hearing
6. Otosclerosis
Otosclerosis
involves the abnormal growth or hardening of bones in the middle ear,
particularly the stapes bone. It leads to gradual conductive hearing loss.
Management
options include hearing aids, sodium fluoride treatments, or a surgical
procedure called stapedectomy to replace the affected bone with a prosthesis.
Take Hearing Symptoms Seriously These medical conditions, though less common, can significantly impact hearing clarity, balance stability, and overall ear health. Early detection is key.
If you’re experiencing symptoms like dizziness, tinnitus, or hearing loss, consult a hearing specialist or audiologist immediately.
Book a Free Hearing Test & Trial at Aanvii Hearing
At Aanvii Hearing, we offer comprehensive hearing evaluations, diagnostic audiograms, and custom treatment plans to help you manage your symptoms effectively. Don’t ignore the signs—schedule your hearing test today and take control of your hearing and balance health. To book an appointment call us at 96 5839 5839 visit our website www.aanviihearing.com.