Is vertigo a hearing disorder?

At Ontario Hearing Centers, it’s important for us to help our patients understand the connection between hearing and other related conditions. One of the most common conditions that is closely linked to hearing disorders is vertigo.

What is vertigo?

Vertigo is a sensation of extreme dizziness or spinning that can make it a struggle to maintain balance. Vertigo episodes can be very unsettling and can be caused by various factors, including inner ear disorders.

How is vertigo related to hearing disorders?

Understanding the relationship between vertigo and hearing disorders is important to better understand the symptoms.

To fully understand the connection between vertigo and hearing, it would help to get an overview of the anatomical location of the vestibular system. It is located in the inner ear and consists of semicircular canals and the vestibule. The semicircular canals are filled with fluid and sensory nerves that move along with the head. The sensory cells in the semicircular canals send signals to the brain about the body’s movement and position.

Any disruption in the vestibular system can cause vertigo or trigger related symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and difficulty with coordination. If there is a problem with the vestibular system, such as damage from medication, an infection, or injury, the signals can be disrupted and cause vertigo. In some cases, hearing can also be affected when there are issues in the vestibular system because they are located in the same part.

Different types of vertigo

Now that we have shared the basic anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system, let’s delve into the different types of vertigo and some inner ear disorders that can cause them.

Vertigo can either be peripheral or central.

Peripheral vertigo

This type of vertigo is caused by problems in the inner ear, specifically the vestibular system.

It involves the following conditions:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): this occurs when small calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and stimulate the sensory cells to react negatively.
Meniere’s disease: This is a disorder of the inner ear that can trigger tinnitus, episodes of vertigo, and hearing loss.
Vestibular neuritis: Also known as vestibular neuronitis, this condition is connected to the inflammation of the vestibular portion of the eighth cranial nerve. It usually manifests with gait imbalance, vertigo, and nausea. It is also believed to be linked with a viral infection.

Central vertigo

Central vertigo is attributed to problems in the brain, specifically in the vestibular centers.

It can include the following conditions:

Migraine-associated vertigo: also known as vestibular migraine or migrainous vertigo, this is a type of migraine where individuals experience a combination of vertigo, balance problems, and dizziness.
Transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke: aside from vertigo, other neurological symptoms may also manifest.

How is vertigo diagnosed?

Diagnosing vertigo primarily involves a review of a patient’s medical history, physical examination, and specialized testing. Healthcare providers will need to take note of the timing, frequency, and severity of the symptoms. During the evaluation phase, make sure to mention any associated symptoms, such as tinnitus, nausea, or hearing loss.

Physical examinations for vertigo will typically involve a neurologic exam to assess the function of the brain and the nerves. A balance assessment may also be performed to evaluate the patient’s ability to maintain their balance.

Below are specialized tests that can help diagnose vertigo and/or its underlying cause:

Videonystagmography (VNG) or Electronystagmography (ENG)
Caloric testing
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Computed tomography (CT) scans

Based on the evaluation and test results, a healthcare provider can make a diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. Treatment may involve medication, therapy, or in some cases, surgery.

Audiologists in Rochester, NY

Audiologists at Ontario Hearing Centers work closely with healthcare providers to ensure that our patients receive the comprehensive care they need to manage vertigo and related symptoms.