Keep Your Balance

Author: Katy Waterman
Published: July 20, 2016
Last reviewed by: Beth Newbould
Last reviewed: May 21, 2026

Did you know that our ears are not only responsible for just our hearing? Another primary function of the human ear is to help us keep our balance.

Surprised? Read on to find out how.

It’s all a balancing act

Our balance depends on an extremely complex system, comprising of nerve signals to and from our eyes, limbs (proprioception), brain and inner ear. The key to your sense of balance is the vestibular system in the inner ear.

This system, also known as the balance organ, sends signals to the brain about head and body motion, position and orientation in space. One part of the balance system is made up of three semicircular canals. These fluid-filled tubes sense rotational head movement in all three dimensional planes. At the same time, other parts of the balance system - otoliths - work at detecting gravity and linear movement. The balance system also works in close harmony with the visual system, collectively, this union of systems helps us to maintain clear and steady vision, whilst also maintaining our balance as we stand, walk, or carry out any other motion based activity.

In addition to the vestibular balance system, other areas of your body also work in tandem to help you maintain balance. Your eyes help you see where you stand and orient you in the environment. At the same time, sensors in your joints, muscles and tendons, called proprioceptors, help your brain understand the position and movement of your limbs.

All three of these systems (balance, vision, and proprioceptors) send signals to your brain for processing so that our brain is able to orientate our bodies and help it move in the correct way. If you feel off-balance or dizzy, it usually signals that one or more of these systems is sending conflicting or impaired messages to the brain.

For example, when standing still on a platform watching a moving train, your eyes will sense movement, but the proprioceptive information from your muscles and limbs will confirm that you are standing still. In order not to feel dizzy at the sight of the moving train, you eyes may have to look down to confirm that you are in fact, standing still.

Can hearing loss affect your balance?

Your inner ear holds the vestibular system and is also responsible for your hearing. That means that a problem with your inner ear, such as an ear infection, could mean that hearing loss occurs at the same time as a balance impairment, although generally one does not cause the other. Other indicators of balance issues include:

  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Difficulties with balance when walking or standing
  • Light-headedness or a floating sensation
  • Blurred vision
  • Disorientation
  • Nausea
  • Panic attacks

In addition, hearing loss also reduces your awareness of the environment and can make you more susceptible to falling.

Don’t ignore it

If you think you may be experiencing balance impairment, however minor, it may indicate a problem in your inner ear which could also affect your hearing.

Hearing loss is a gradual process, and it can progressively impact your quality of life in various ways. Watch our ‘Bringing Hearing Loss to Life’ video, which will help you better understand what it’s like to live with hearing loss. Hearing loss is not a condition that you have to struggle with. Today’s advanced digital hearing aids can help people with any type of hearing loss ranging from mild to severe.

Visit one of our Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care branches and have a FREE hearing test. Based on your test outcomes, our experienced and friendly audiologist will advise and support you with the best course of action. This may be treating an ear health issue, or helping you select a suitable hearing aid to assist you with hearing loss.

To find out how we can help, call us on 0800 40 20 20 or book an appointment online.

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