I’ve been using hearing aids for almost 8 months now, and have had issues the past two days with vertigo and/or dizziness. The first incident (yesterday morning), I lost my balance and fell against the back of my work desk, but seemed to be fine afterwards. This morning, once I got out of bed, I was weaving like a drunken sailor and so nauseated I almost puked. Once I got back in bed, I slept another 3 hours and woke up feeling “fine” but still slightly nauseated.
I can tell there’s pressure in my right ear, and occasionally I feel pressure along my cheekbone, which are usually signs of an ear infection. Besides getting in to see the doctor, is there anything I should be doing hearing wise?
While you are getting your Doctors appointment also google (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
BPPV happens when tiny crystals (otoconia) in your inner ear become displaced. Otoconia generally stay in your utricle (fluid-filled cavity in your inner ear). But these tiny crystals can become dislodged and travel to your semicircular canals (fluid-filled tubes that help with balance). When this occurs, it can result in vertigo, dizziness and balance issues.
I’ve now had BPPV twice. In my case it happened when I looked to the left and upward while getting out of bed in the morning. Luckily I just fell back onto the bed. Once I looked forward or to the right everything was fine again. It may also make you feel temporarily nauseous.
Unlike other more serious ear issues BPPV may be easily remedied with simple exercises.
Once they rule out anything serious causing the vertigo, I think some physical therapists treat it. I was seeing a PT a few years ago and there were traditional playing cards attached to the walls in the corridors. They were for vertigo treatment. I don’t know how it works but my pt was enthusiastic about it.
In addition to checking out you might want to research Menieres also. The dizziness and nausea are classic symptoms. I’ve had it for many years now and take meclizine daily to help control it.
My wife gets vertigo as a symptom of ocular migraines. Her doctor recommended Excedrin Migraine, or its generic equivalent. It’s a combination of aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine - works like a charm for her. Your doctor may or may not recommend it, or meclizine (generic Antivert) which, as the brand name indicates, combats vertigo. Your doctor is the best one to advise you, of course. I’m just pointing out that there are options, and hope. I certainly hope your doctor gets you to feel better soon!
No way to be sure from here, and I’m not a doctor, but most likely this is not related to your hearing aids.
Also most likely, just statistically in terms of the diagnosis that matches some of these symptoms is, as suggested by others, . I’ve had it several times, and each time it’s responded very well within a few days to exercises. There are numerous good videos on YouTube made by doctors demonstrating the exercise. The exercise is also known as the “Epley maneuver.”
When I’ve had this issue, though, I did not have your cheekbone issue. If you know that matches ear infection in your history, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to see an MD to get your ear scoped. My wife had your issue (although I don’t remember cheekbone symptoms for her, either) and in her case, there was an infection behind the eardrum; she needed antibiotics to treat this.
Besides seeing a GP, you could make an appointment with an or other balance specialist. There’s no harm in trying highly-rated BPPV or Epley maneuver exercises while waiting for a specialist appointment. If BPPV is the MD diagnosis, they’re just going to teach you the exercise anyway, because it’s the best care for that diagnosis.
Oh also while you’re waiting for care and resolution of the symptoms, stand up slowly from a reclined position. Roll over slowly when lying down, coming to a seated position first. Count to five slowly. Hold onto something if you can when getting out of bed. These steps help keep you safe in terms of fall protection. It is possible to black out (you may see spots first) and fall hard to the floor, possibly injuring yourself, with these symptoms, if you get up too fast.
San Francisco