Finely Balanced?

Did you know some audiologists are trained in balance too? Now you do! The hearing and balance organs are closely linked in your skull, and this is why vertigo and hearing loss are both affected in certain medical conditions.

Balance organs can be exercised and strengthened. This reduces your risk of falls and can keep you confident and able.

Here are a few exercises recommended by NHS vestibular/physio staff. All abilities can do them.

If you’re like me, (middle aged and far too busy to take on anything new!) you can simply stand on one leg, then the other, while you’re boiling the kettle. Fingers lightly on the countertop so you don’t topple. Build up the number of seconds you stay on one leg over time.

Once you’ve mastered that, you can try doing it with your eyes closed* - but not until you’re secure with them open.

Balance is one of those things you take for granted, and once it’s deteriorated it can put you off doing things that keep you happy and healthy. So keep up your ability, and your body (with its unbroken bones) and posture will thank you.

Full set:

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/balance-exercises/

*this is more difficult because we use balance organs, visual and proprioceptive feedback all at once to maintain balance

The 3 semicircular canals (inside the red box) of the vestibular system. These help the brain orient sense acceleration and position of the head in space, by feeding back information from 3 planes at once.