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VERTIGO
What is vertigo?
Without realising it, our bodies work quite hard in order to remain balanced. Our eyes are connected to our ears via the vestibulo-ocular reflex. This allows us to focus and stabilise an image when we turn our heads. We also have balance organs in our ears, which sends information to our brains to tell us when we are making movements in certain planes. Imagine your ears working like the wings on an aeroplane. For some people balance problems or vertigo is linked to the inner ear and for others, it may be linked to problems in the central pathway, leading up to the brain.
All of this information needs to pair up with our muscles, spine and surroundings in order for us to feel balanced. If one or more of the signals are impaired or broken the result can be dizziness.
VERTIGO CAUSES
Common Causes Of Vertigo
Benign Paroxsysmal Positional Vertigo
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This type of dizziness usually presents as you get older or following head trauma. It is a balance condition that affects the semi-circular canals in the inner ear. It is linked to the displacement of crystals of calcium carbonate which moves around or attaches to areas it shouldn’t be. Symptoms include dizziness when you move your head, for example when you roll over in bed or dizziness when hanging up the clothes. This type of dizziness can be tested for and treated easily for most people.
Migraine Associated Vertigo
Migraine associated vertigo (MAV) can present itself with similar symptoms as Meniere’s (MD) and can present without any headaches. Rehabilitation exercises may be beneficial for MAV.
Acoustic Neuroma
Acoustic Neuroma is a benign tumour that grows on the eighth cranial nerve. It is a slow-growing tumour and quite often just monitored for growth. For some people, it can result in causes of dizziness. Other symptoms include an asymmetric hearing loss (hearing loss that is worse on one side or a sudden change in hearing) often accompanied by unilateral tinnitus. Some patients can benefit from rehabilitation exercises.
Labyrinthitis/Neuritis
Labyrinthitis and Neuritis are types of vertigo caused by a viral infection. You may experience sudden dizziness and if you have labyrinthitis, the hearing can be affected too. Rehabilitation following this type of dizziness is usually beneficial.
Meniere's Disease
Meniere’s Disease (MD) is a balance condition that usually comes with a warning sign, commonly a fluctuating low frequency hearing loss and tinnitus. You may also feel a pressure sensation in the ear before you are about to feel dizzy. Episodes of dizziness can occur regularly during the acute phase and then usually burns out leaving you with a permanent hearing loss on one side. Management in the form of rehabilitation exercises can be beneficial.
What Are The Treatment Methods For vertigo?
At PinnaClear, I want to provide personalised care by taking the time to understand your unique needs and tailoring our services to ensure the best possible outcomes. I want to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and involve you in decision-making, ensuring you have an active role in your hearing health journey.
20 Years of
clinical experience
Licensed and certified with First Class BSc (Hons) in Audiology
Trained in microsuction earwax removal & behavioural therapy for tinnitus
Experience working within the NHS and private sector
Rated Excellent
Very professional service, I had a lot of ear wax and also a funny sensation in one ear which Hafiza took the time to explain and show me what was going on. Professionally cleaned, my ears and I are very happy 🙂
Raneesha Manoharan
Rated Excellent
Great service, well explained, well delivered, very pleased with outcome. I would recommend to anyone.
Lee Goulden
Rated Excellent
Very happy with the service at Pinnaclear. Hafiza was absolutely lovely and explained everything clearly before, during and after the treatment. Extremely pleased with the result and can now hear clearly again. Thank you
Tracey Carey
Why our customers choose us
An PinnaClear we aim to provide an audiology service that offers a personalised and holistic approach to hearing health. We combine cutting-edge technology with experienced professionals to provide accurate treatment plans to empower individuals to fully engage in their daily lives with optimal hearing clarity.
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Why do I get ringing in my ears?Ringing in ears (or head) is also known as tinnitus. This is a sound that usually occurs inside, without an external sound source. Tinnitus can occur for a number of reasons but the most common reason people experience tinnitus is due to reduced hearing levels. The first step would be to arrange a hearing assessment.
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Do I need to soften my earwax before getting them cleaned?Unlike syringing, most people don't need soft wax for microsuction earwax removal to be successful. However, using a softening agent such as olive oil can mean a quicker and more comfortable microsuction earwax removal procedure.
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What are the common hearing loss signs and symptoms?Patients usually report difficulty in hearing conversation, particularly in busy social settings. Quite often, family and friends notice hearing difficulties first. If you feel your hearing is deteriorating, then a hearing assessment will indicate the degree of hearing loss. The audiologist will then advise on the best treatment plan for you.
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Can I get an invisible hearing aid?Hearing aids have advanced massively over the years; they are available in a range of colours and sizes. The type suitable for you will depend on a number of factors such as the shape of your ear canal and the degree of hearing loss. Your audiologist will advise on the best type of hearing aid for you, book an appointment today.
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What is microsuction earwax removal?Microsuction earwax removal is the removal of stubborn earwax using a suction device. The procedure is performed by trained professionals and involves wearing some magnifiers to make it easier to view the wax and eardrum.
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Do I need to soften the wax with olive oil before microsuction?Unlike syringing, softening earwax the same way isn’t necessary. However, it can mean the procedure is more comfortable, particularly if the wax is stuck against the ear canal.
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What is the best way to clean your ears?Ears will naturally withdraw any earwax. If you do not have any pre-existing medical ear conditions you can use a little bit of olive oil to help soften any earwax and clean your ears. If you have earwax that is causing your hearing aid to whistle or cauging you discomfort then it is best to get your ears cleaned professionally.
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How much does ear cleaning cost?The current charges at PinnaClear are £50 to £70, depending on the location and whether it is one or both ears that need cleaning. Home visits vary depending on the distance needing to be travelled.
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Is microsuction earwax removal safe?As with any medical procedure, there are always risks involved. These risks are minimised by providing an accurate medical history and booking in with an experienced, fully trained professional.
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What is the difference between going to Specsavers and coming to PinnaClear?The main difference is the level of training and experience. Quite often, the staff at Specsavers are minimally trained as hearcare assistants or hearing aid dispensers and will usually work off a checklist. At PinnaClear, all services are offered by a senior audiologist with several years of NHS and private audiology work.
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Will the wax come out by itself if I just use olive oil?Olive oil ear drops can help to soften any ear wax so that it can naturally work its way out. If there is too much earwax or the wax is hard and impacted against the ear drum, the olive oil will soften the wax and help with professional microsuction ear wax removal.
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Do hopi ear candles work?There is a misconception that hopi ear candles help to draw wax out of the ears, however, several studies have shown that this is not the case and instead hopi candles leave residue inside the ears, increasing risk of infection. There is also an increased risk of burning the ear with incorrectly performed procedures. This is also an unregulated procedure which means the risks can vary greatly.
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Is it ok to use cotton buds?The skin inside our ears is very sensitive and cotton buds peel away at the protective layer in our ears. If there is wax it can become impacted as you push wax deeper against the ear drum. This can reduce your hearing and cause pressure inside your ears.