The inner ear contains the “cochlea,” which produces nerve impulses that are transmitted via the auditory nerve to the brain, as well as the “vestibular system,” a collection of structures that provides the body with a sense of balance and spatial awareness. These structures include three semicircular canals that are lined with sensory hair cells that continually detect the head’s position by virtue of tiny calcium carbonate crystals (“otoliths”), which help sense the body’s orientation. The trouble is that these crystals can become dislodged to the point where their momentum in the canals may give a false sense of movement even after the head stops moving. The resultant “benign paroxysmal positional vertigo” (BPPV) produces dizziness and a loss of equilibrium.
Although BPPV can be bothersome, it’s rarely serious except when it increases the chance of falls. You can receive effective treatment for BPPV during a doctor’s office visit. To schedule a hearing assessment, please call BETTER HEARING CENTER. We perform hearing tests, fit patients for hearing aids, and provide one-on-one consultations. We are New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.
P.S. Once diagnosed, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) may be effectively treated using the Epley maneuver, which involves maneuvering the head so that the otoliths move out of the semicircular canals to an open space.
