Hearing symptoms

Feeling dizzy or as though the room is spinning can be unsettling. This sensation, known as vertigo, often comes from a problem in the inner ear, which helps control balance. While vertigo can feel alarming, it’s usually treatable and often linked to conditions that are temporary or easily managed. At Leightons, our audiologists are here to help you understand what’s behind your dizziness and guide you toward the right care, offering safe and professional support for your ear and balance health. What Is vertigo? Vertigo isn’t a condition itself, but a symptom - a feeling that you or your surroundings are moving when they’re not. It’s usually caused by an issue in the vestibular system, the part of your inner ear responsible for balance. Some people describe vertigo as feeling like spinning, swaying, or tilting. It can last a few seconds or persist for longer periods, depending on the cause. What causes vertigo? Vertigo can occur for several reasons, many of which are related to the inner ear. Common causes include: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): The most common cause of vertigo, where small crystals in the inner ear move out of place and trigger dizziness during head movements. Inner ear infections: Conditions such as labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis cause inflammation that affects balance and hearing. Meniere’s disease: A long-term condition involving fluid build-up in the inner ear, leading to vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing changes. Ear wax blockage: In some cases, a build-up of wax can affect pressure or balance, leading to dizziness. Migraine-associated vertigo: Some migraines cause dizziness, even without a headache. Circulatory or blood pressure changes: Less commonly, vertigo may stem from reduced blood flow to the inner ear or brain. Common symptoms of vertigo Vertigo can vary in intensity and duration. You may experience: A spinning or swaying sensation Loss of balance or unsteadiness Nausea or feeling light-headed Ringing or pressure in the ears (tinnitus) Hearing loss or muffled sounds Headache or visual disturbance If vertigo is sudden, persistent, or severe, it’s important to have it checked by a professional. When to seek professional advice Occasional dizziness after standing up too quickly or turning your head isn’t unusual. However, you should seek advice if: Vertigo happens frequently or lasts longer than a few minutes You experience hearing changes or ringing in your ears You have nausea, vomiting, or difficulty walking Vertigo occurs alongside ear pain or infection symptoms While vertigo itself isn’t usually dangerous, the underlying cause may require treatment. A hearing and balance assessment can help identify the issue and offer reassurance. Diagnosis and treatment Your treatment will depend on what’s causing your vertigo. Common approaches include: Canalith repositioning manoeuvres: Simple head movements (such as the Epley manoeuvre) to correct BPPV. Medication: To ease inflammation, nausea, or dizziness caused by infection. Vestibular rehabilitation: Special exercises that retrain your balance system. Ear wax removal: If a blockage is affecting balance. ENT referral: For more complex or persistent cases. Leightons can help identify whether your vertigo is related to your hearing or ear health and guide you to the right treatment or specialist care if needed. How Leightons can help At Leightons, we take a comprehensive approach to ear and balance health. Our expert audiologists can: Carry out a detailed free hearing assessment to check for changes linked to vertigo Examine your ears for wax, infection, or fluid build-up Provide safe microsuction if wax is causing dizziness Advise on next steps or referral if vestibular issues are suspected We’ll always take the time to listen, explain, and provide the reassurance you need - helping you feel steady and confident again. Living with or preventing vertigo While not all vertigo can be prevented, these steps can help reduce symptoms or avoid flare-ups: Move slowly when changing position Stay hydrated and eat regularly Avoid sudden head movements when possible Manage allergies or sinus issues promptly Keep ears clear and healthy with regular ear checks If you experience vertigo linked to specific movements, a professional can recommend simple exercises to help retrain your balance system. Book a free hearing assessment If you’re experiencing vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems, we can help. Our expert audiologists will carry out a safe, professional free hearing assessment to identify any underlying issues and guide you to the right care.

Most people experience their ears popping from time to time, especially during flights, driving in the mountains, or when they have a cold. It’s a normal reaction to changes in air pressure - but if the sensation happens often, lasts for days, or comes with discomfort, it could point to an underlying issue that needs attention. At Leightons, our hearing care specialists can help identify the cause of persistent ear popping and provide safe, effective solutions for lasting relief. What is ear popping? Ear popping describes the clicking, crackling, or popping sounds you sometimes hear inside your ear. This happens when the Eustachian tubes - tiny passages that connect the middle ear to the back of your throat - open and close to balance air pressure. When the tubes work as they should, pressure equalises naturally and your ears feel clear. But if they become blocked or inflamed, you might experience popping, pressure, or muffled hearing. Why do ears pop? The middle ear needs to maintain equal pressure on both sides of your eardrum. The Eustachian tubes handle that job, opening whenever you swallow, yawn, or chew. When pressure builds up - for example, during altitude changes - you may feel a “pop” as the tubes open to release trapped air. Persistent popping, however, could signal a problem with how these tubes are functioning. Common causes of ear popping Ear popping can be triggered by several everyday situations and ear conditions: Altitude or pressure changes: Common during flying, scuba diving, or driving in the mountains. Colds and sinus infections: Congestion can block the Eustachian tubes, trapping air in the middle ear. Ear wax build-up: Excess wax can affect how pressure equalises, leading to a blocked or popping sensation. Allergies: Inflammation from allergies may cause the tubes to swell. Eustachian tube dysfunction: The tubes fail to open properly, causing pressure imbalance. Fluid in the ear: Known as glue ear, this can cause popping and muffled hearing. When ear popping becomes a problem Occasional popping is normal and usually nothing to worry about. But if it’s frequent, painful, or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s a good idea to get your ears checked. You should seek professional advice if you experience: Ongoing or painful ear popping A feeling of fullness or blockage Muffled hearing or changes in sound Dizziness or ringing in the ears Ear pain or fluid discharge Leightons’ audiologists can identify the cause through a safe, detailed ear examination. How to relieve ear popping If your ears feel blocked or keep popping, try these gentle methods: Swallow or yawn: Helps open the Eustachian tubes and balance pressure. Sip water or chew gum: Encourages tube movement. Use a nasal spray: Reduces swelling in the nasal passages if congestion is the cause. Avoid inserting objects: Don’t use cotton buds, as they can push wax deeper. Apply gentle warmth: A warm compress may ease discomfort. If popping persists for more than a few days, it’s best to have your ears examined professionally. When to see an audiologist or GP If your ears won’t “clear” or popping is constant, there may be an underlying issue such as infection, fluid, or wax blockage. Leightons’ hearing care specialists can: Examine your ears safely using advanced equipment Remove excess ear wax through microsuction Recommend treatment for congestion or infection Carry out a free hearing test to assess any related hearing loss How Leightons can help Persistent ear popping can often be resolved with the right care. Our audiologists will assess your ear health and hearing to pinpoint the cause - whether it’s wax build-up, pressure imbalance, or infection - and guide you on the safest, most effective treatment options. At Leightons, we focus on long-term ear and hearing health, so you can enjoy clear, comfortable hearing every day. Preventing ear popping A few simple habits can help reduce ear popping: Keep sinuses clear during colds or allergies Avoid flying with a blocked nose Yawn or swallow during take-off and landing Stay hydrated when travelling Schedule regular ear health checks if you’re prone to congestion or wax build-up