I am trying to tap into people's experience of suffering from imbalance issues caused by their inner ears. I am getting regular imbalance issues - not usually outright dizziness but a wobbly feeling, a bit like being drunk. It happens more when I move. For a few years I've sometimes had it when walking outside and I thought it was probably heart/circulation-related. But now I am getting it more and more in the house too. The results of a heart-monitor (worn for a week) have come out as 'normal', so I'm beginning to think it is something else, such as my ears which I suffer with in other ways, including tinnitus. However, I'm also getting other symptoms, sometimes feeling a bit faint. My blood-pressure seems OK, not too high and not too low. I also seem OK when I'm travelling on a bus - if my ears were the cause, wouldn't I feel the imbalance issue due to the motion of the bus? Can anyone provide any insight from their own experience?
Imbalance caused by ears?: I am trying to tap... - Tinnitus UK
Imbalance caused by ears?
the first time I had this I though was having a stroke - doc diagnosed labyrinthitis. Gave me some prescription which helped a bit. The second time, it was diagnosed as BPPV and I still get bouts of this now and again.
How docs diagnose this is beyond me.
See “vertigo” on the NHS website.
Thanks. Looking up BPPV, I suppose it could be that. I think I've had bouts of that before, although I then felt actually dizzy when lying down (standing was better). It was a dizzy spell like that a few months ago which started my current run of feeling wobbly and faint.
what’s BPPV?
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. You can look up BPPV on the NHS website for more information
I get the same problem. It's very difficult to track down. I've recently quit teaching as the classroom environment was not good for Tinnitus and Hyperacusis, not to mention the stress and pressure of the job.My dizziness / vertigo has improved considerably in the last few weeks.
I can't imagine having to teach with tinnitus, hyperacusis and dizziness. I was once a teacher but now I have a desk job. I think you did the right thing and I'm glad to hear that your dizziness has improved.
Thank you. I hope you see some improvement soon. Stress is almost certainly a contributing factor amongst the side effects of many other things - whether you tinnitus among other factors in your life.
Hi - I have balance issues since having Labyrinthitis a few years ago. The slightest change can bring on dizziness. I actually find it difficult to walk in a straight line now. Even walking around a supermarket looking from side to side can make me feel unbalanced. I have profound hearing loss in one ear and severe tinnitus so we have the subtitles on the television. The other evening it was a live programme so the titles were out of line with the voices and my head couldn’t cope with that. It is certainly worth getting that checked out. x
That sounds very disorienting and debilitating. When I went through a bit of an ear crisis a few years ago, the doctors initially thought it was Labyrinthitis but I doubt that it was, as I didn't have all the symptoms. Dizziness was absent, although I did experience these unstable episodes when walking outside in the following months. Those episodes are now more regular, occurring on a daily basis, and indoors as well as outdoors.
I've found this too. I did a running event this morning, along with being mindful of other runners, looking left and right and navigating a couple of sharp bends, it can effect performance but much if this is psychological. We have to try to live with it as best we can. Don't let it beat you.
Trouble is Dave, as I get older I worry about falling. Last year in Skiathos we were walking, one behind the other on a very narrow path when a man approached the other way, as he passed me he began to ask a question, as I turned to face him I lost my balance, fell over a small wall and rolled down a hill!! Apart from a few scrapes I was ok but both my husband and the man were mortified. I tried to explain to the man it wasn’t his fault but I had a balance problem. He said he was only going to ask if there was a restaurant nearby. I felt more sorry for him than myself and we do laugh about it now. My biggest worry was in case he thought I was drunk 😅😅. x
Don't get me wrong, take care but be mindful about too over-cautious and do exercises.
I've also been feeling more dizzy and losing my balance since sudden hearing loss in leftvear 18 months ago. It has worsened since my right ear became blocked also. If you have labyrinthine there is a procedure your doctor can perform which may help. It is called the Epley manoevre. It worked for my neighbour. After the doctor showed her she was able to do it at home.
I've heard about that manoeuvre. One of my neighbours suffers from a similar problem that the doctors can't get to the bottom of and she has talked about possibly having that manoeuvre done to her. I'm not sure I have or have previously had Labyrinthitis, as I've never had all the symptoms together at the same time.
Thank you for sharing your disconcerting experience - its so helpful because Iv'e never got the answer as to why these occurrences happen. My first bout of dizziness was rising from a chair after dinner and the room span. It was spontaneous and scary. Lasted for a few days so went to doctor who said it was Labryinthitis. That was about 10 years ago. On an annual basis, sometimes twice in a year, I have had similar experiences, not exactky dizziness but a general weakness in my legs and veering to the right when walking plus a horrible feeling of dread. I have hearing loss in left ear and tinnitus. Last June I had a spell of it which lasted 10 days and it was really frightening but I find 'orienting' (focussing on something ahead of me) helpful. I have had vestibular tests, eyesight tests, balance tests and the like but two consultants could not agree. One said it is Menieres but the other said it was wear and tear issues in inner ear. I was given a drug (which I can't remember to spell correctly) called Behiastamine? but it really upset my tummy. However, a short course seemed to help. as these episodes come out of nowhere I found it affecting my confidence but I fought against this and when I have a spell I remind myself that it will go away and just try and keep walking around the house, holding onto things, as it is better than lying in bed depressed, as I found these episodes quite frightening and disorienting. I often wonder why I always veered towards the right but have never really had an answer to these occurrences. This is why I thank you for posting your experience as it has helped enormously as I thought I was going mad at times. Do let me know if you ever get a proper diagnosis eventually. All the best.
I'm glad that posting my concerns has helped you realise that other people are going through these things too. Even a neighbour of mine is in a similar position and, like you, she can't get a definite diagnosis. I think they initially diagnosed Meniere's and prescribed Betahistine. I was prescribed it when I first started with tinnitus in the mid-90s but it did nothing for me. Your experience sounds very frightening. I must admit, while I haven't experienced this recently, I have previously noticed a veering to one side while out walking. I've also had weakness in the legs associated with this, which is one reason I have previously thought it was my heart. Anyway, I hope your occurrences go away, as these things sometimes do.
When I start walking outside I find it difficult to walk in a straight line and I know I must look as though I have had a drink to anyone walking behind me ! I can also hear my footsteps internally, vibrating in my head. This only seems to happen when I am walking alone perhaps because I have no distractions. Two years ago I started with pulsating tinitus in my right ear. I've had a CT scan and all is clear.....no cause found so I have to learn to live with this. I firmly believe that the use of the early mobile phones daily in my work life has contributed to the deterioration of the inner ear on my right side. I have lost some hearing on this side too. I try not to worry about this and get on enjoying my life, I hope you can too. This forum is great and makes you realise 'you are not alone'
You make a good point - we probably don't yet fully know the problems that mobile phones could be causing, to both ears and eyes. I sometimes feel like I'm a bit drunk with this, although I probably manage to walk in a straight line and don't appear drunk, hopefully 
I have similar but never approached GP (TBH just can't be bothered as they are so negative I can't deal with them) - just feel balance at times isn't great for no reason at all. More of a persistent feeling. Definitely noticed more since losing hearing - but doesn't cause me any real issues, just noticed it.
Thank you for posting this . It is such a relief to know I'm not going crazy and imagining this . Although it might be easier however, not completely losing your mind has its perks . I have found hydration seems to be a factor as well . Increasing my water intake significantly has helped this symptom a great deal . As your heart monitor indicates its is not necessarily the cause I would suggest adding that into your routine . Thank you again
Reading your post helped me a great deal today
Aesop
Thank you Aesop. I will keep an eye on my water intake - I probably don't drink as much as I should. However, the evidence doesn't seem to suggest dehydration as the cause for me. Generally, when I first get up in the morning, I feel OK, which is the time when I'm probably the most dehydrated after a night in bed. The effect seems to kick-in after I've had breakfast. I can also feel 'off' after meals later in the day and I'm wondering whether it's a similar effect to feeling sleepy after a big meal.
5byears ago I had sudden hearing loss right ear and saw an ent consultant who tried to revive the hearing with steroid injections which failed it left me with a sort of imbalance as well which my body seemed to sort out but there are occasions where i just feel a little out of balance so i can only assume its the inner ear .
That sounds horrific to have the supposed cure for one problem leave you with another problem. At least it got a bit better over time though.
Hi I have something similar and am currently under ENT for some balance rehabilitation therapy. I have been diagnosed with visual vertigo which is caused by the eyes compensation for other balance systems not working correctly, in my case ears and neuropathy.
I have been given visual exercises and balance exercises which seem to help with the day today stuff
supermarkets and other busy places are difficult for me.
I hope this helps x
That is interesting as I have suspected that my eyes may play a role in this feeling. Occasionally I get episodes of double-vision lasting a few tens of seconds, although I can see properly out of one eye at a time. The doctor told me many years ago me that is due to a brief misalignment of the eyes. I hope your therapy continues to improve your situation.
thank you.
stay strong and look after yourself the best you can x
My tinnitus is only in my left ear, since 2016. Now wearing hearing aids with hearing left ear worse than right. I tracked my balance issues to research by Australian to wearing Varifocal spectacles over the age of 70. I don’t get dizziness but have collapsed about 5-6 times over the years without any warning, hurting my back the last 2 times within days. I now use a crutch as have no confidence in keeping my balance. I have stomach issues with corn which contribute to poor balance. Sadly at Falls Clinic the Dr just used my research to write to my local Dr. Good luck with finding solutions!
Interesting. Varifocals are things that I have always avoided - I don't think I could cope with them. I have wondered whether my glasses are contributing to the problem though.
Hi, I have to post on various comments that people have said. over 10 years ago went to GP with tinnitus in left ear and slight balance problems with slight hearing loss one sided too. Thought a hearing aid would sort the problems. Spent nearly 3 years at ENT, lots of tests, Ménière's and BBPV suggested, balance therapy, MRI, betahistine, And nothing found. Then neurologists appointments started. Balance, feeling drunk, problems looking round in supermarkets, reaching out to walls to keep my balance, the list goes on much like many have spoken about already. Now a diagnosis of gluten ataxia. Which I can tell you is really life changing.A 100% Gluten free diet, rice free!! And dairy now too. This very restrictive diet has stabilised symptoms for me but too late to stop atrophy of the cerebellum. The balance centre of the brain.
My advise to anyone who has balance problems is to try going gluten free, completely and 100% though for a few weeks to months. You will know if it is down to gluten by the way you feel. Unfortunately the medical professionals who recognise gluten can cross the blood brain barrier and cause neurological conditions are few and far between. It is only a small prize to pay, a GF diet for a short time for your future health's sake to see if the problems change. It make sense to do this! I so wish someone had told me about gluten many years ago.
With modern agriculture methods, I can forsee the numbers will increase.
Best wishes to all.
Diet, medication and lifestyle all in some capacity and collectively have a lot to answer for.
Oh my goodness. A diet change to gluten-free and dairy-free would be quite drastic for me. I shall bear in mind Gluten Ataxia though. I had no idea that this sort of condition existed.
I went gluten-free first, then had a private test, CYREX, and red flags for me also were dairy, rice and buckwheat. To have in small amounts soya and corn. My health was at stake. It was nothing to do with healthy eating, medication causes or lifestyle, more predisposition to gluten sensitivity, similar to coealic disease, autoimmune too, just not so well known about. Most people have heard of MND, MS and Parkinsons. In fact it is estimated that Ataxia effects twice the number of people that have MND, but unfortunately there are not well known rugby players bringing awareness.If you think you might be effected then research gluten ataxia on PubMed, it makes very heavy reading but the facts are there.
Yes and gluten!!!
I'm glad to read that you've found an way to mitigate your symptoms, Penelope2 - this may not be applicable to everyone, unfortunately. Our advice for anyone struggling with balance difficulties, tinnitus and related issues would be to visit the Meniere's Society website for good advice and to bookmark BAAP - the British Association of Audio Vestibular Physicians - for information on professionals who can help:
Yes I have had balance problems for yrs with my ears!It's exactly as you described like feeling tipsy!
I have tinnitus caused by Meniers disease and had bouts of vertigo over the years..my hearing on the right side has had some moderate hearing loss so I have a hearing aid!
But you can get imbalance because of inner ear issues!
Get your hearing checked again and I suspect that is the cause!
Yes, "tipsy" is a good word to describe it. I had a hearing check in January a few weeks before this run of it started, although I've had similar experiences for a few years. I don't think my hearing has changed since then, not majorly anyway. Do you get it when travelling in a vehicle?
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