Inner ear disorders and their impact on balance and mental health

Dr. Abdulmonem Al-Sheikh, a consultant in otolaryngology and a pioneer in cochlear implantation, revealed a close and complex link between inner ear disorders and a person's psychological state, highlighting the role of the vestibular system as the primary determinant of balance and preventing falls. Dr. Al-Sheikh warned that neglecting initial symptoms such as dizziness can lead to serious consequences, including social isolation and a decline in quality of life, particularly among the elderly.

Anatomical context: How does the balance system work?

To understand the nature of these disorders, the inner ear must be viewed as more than just an organ of hearing; it houses an incredibly precise and complex system known as the vestibular system. This system consists of semicircular canals and a vestibule containing fluids and crystals sensitive to head movement and gravity. It acts as a biological compass, synchronizing in real time with the eyes and sensory receptors in muscles and joints, sending continuous signals to the brain that ensure stable movement and highly accurate positioning of the body in space.

The hidden relationship between balance and mental health

Dr. Al-Sheikh explained that the imbalance in the ear extends beyond the direct physical impact, affecting the patient's psychological and neurological stability. Persistent dizziness and the inability to determine directions generate a chronic feeling of anxiety and tension, specifically "motion phobia" or the fear of falling. This fear gradually leads the sufferer to avoid daily activities and leaving the house, trapping them in a cycle of social isolation and depression—a vicious cycle that exacerbates their health condition.

Why do older people suffer more than others?

The consultant attributed the frequent complaints of imbalance among the elderly to natural physiological changes associated with aging. The efficiency of the fine sensory cells in the ear declines, and the speed of nerve signals reaching the brain decreases, resulting in slower and less accurate reactions, thus making them more prone to falls during sudden movements.

The health and social importance of prevention

These warnings are particularly important when considering the overall impact of falls resulting from imbalances. Global medical data indicates that falls are a leading cause of serious injuries among the elderly, placing a significant burden on healthcare systems and families. Therefore, maintaining inner ear health is not only about improving hearing, but also a fundamental pillar for ensuring healthy and active aging and reducing rates of mobility impairment.

Factors that threaten the efficiency of the inner ear

Dr. Al-Sheikh warned of several factors that accelerate the deterioration of the inner ear's efficiency, foremost among them:

• Recurrent ear infections and fluid buildup.
• The balance crystals moved from their natural position.
• The impact of uncontrolled chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Excessive use of medications that negatively affect the nervous system.
• A deficiency in essential vitamins, specifically vitamin D and vitamin B12, which are necessary for nerve health.
• Extreme stress and lack of sleep exacerbate the symptoms.

A revolution in treatment concepts: vestibular rehabilitation

Dr. Al-Sheikh emphasized that therapeutic approaches have evolved significantly in recent years. Reliance on medication and painkillers is no longer the sole or optimal solution; vestibular rehabilitation programs have become an essential option. These programs utilize specialized motor exercises designed to train the brain to adapt to the dysfunction and restore lost balance through neurological compensation mechanisms.

Dr. Abdel Moneim concluded his speech by calling for not ignoring warning symptoms such as frequent dizziness, tinnitus, nausea, or blurred vision when moving the head, stressing that early diagnosis through clinical examinations and balance tests is the first step to restoring self-confidence and returning to a normal life.