Finding the right balance
Post on 14th June 2021
Life has felt out of kilter for some time now, which is not surprising in the wake of a global pandemic.
But just how good is your physical balance? If you have noticed feeling more unsteady on your feet or know someone who has, it could be because of hearing loss.
Ears are not just important for hearing; they also have a role to play in balance thanks to the workings of the inner ear. The inner ear has fluid and structures that send signals to the brain that help you orient yourself and maintain balance. So when you get an ear infection it disrupts that sense of balance and can lead to you feeling dizzy or nauseous.
Even a mild degree of hearing loss can increase the risk of an accidental fall.
There have been studies suggesting that hearing aids can improve your balance which is another reason to consider their benefits.
At Scrivens we regularly see the benefits hearing aids can bring to those living with hearing loss, improving their quality of life so that they can pick up sounds and conversations, join in and feel less isolated.
Left untreated, hearing loss can lead to social isolation and other conditions that all have links with dementia related diseases.
Losing our hearing affects more than 12 million people across the UK and the most common type of hearing loss is age-related hearing loss.
If it happens gradually it may be some time before you realise you have a problem. Indeed, evidence suggests that people wait on average 10 years before seeking help for their hearing loss.
Scrivens recommends an annual hearing health check for anyone over 50 to identify any changes and see what action is needed. Over 100 of its branches provide a free NHS hearing service for people who are eligible.
If you have any concerns about your hearing you can find help, advice and free hearing checks at your local Scrivens branch.