The ear may look simple from the outside but itâs actually a complicated organ, doing much more than letting you whatâs going on around you. Hearing is also key to how we balance, and in hearing aids can help improve not only hearing function but balance as well.
Our sense of balance comes from visual input, proprioceptive input (also known as kinaesthesia or our âsixth senseâ that allows our bodies to sense movement, location and action) and our vestibular system which is part of our inner ear.
tells our brains about the movements and position of our head â information like if weâre moving or looking up or down, left or right, or if our head is tilted. The inner ear is also where sound waves are turned into electrical energy that our brains then translate into sounds, making hearing possible in the first place.
Because the inner ear is performing two vital functions, if one part isnât working correctly, both balance and hearing can be affected.
READ MORE: The ability to hear shouldnât be a luxury item for seniors
âWhile many clinics only perform basic tests during exams, we believe in getting the entire picture before moving forward with treatment. This goes for all of our clients, not only those exhibiting additional symptoms aside from hearing loss,â says Luke Wiens, owner of in Âé¶čAV.
âWe provide free, thorough testing of all three parts of the ear (outer, middle and inner) to ensure we can provide our clients with as much information and support as possible.â
Pardon Me Hearing uses tympanometry testing, bone and air conduction testing along with video and standard otoscopy tests to determine exactly what is causing hearing loss and assess if a clientâs loss of balance is connected to hearing loss or being caused by a separate issue.
âWe offer this service free of charge for the same reason we donât charge anything extra for custom moulds,â Wiens says. âWe believe the ability to hear should never be considered a luxury. By keeping our costs down weâre able to help more seniors not only improve their quality of life through hearing but also help reduce fall-risk, due to loss in balance as well.â
Book your next appointment with Pardon Me Hearing or by phone at 778-478-3277 and follow them on and .