Vertigo is a condition that affects your balance and can cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. While it can be caused by a variety of factors, some people believe that using earbuds can contribute to the development of vertigo.
Earbuds have become a popular way to listen to music and podcasts, but can earbuds cause vertigo?
A study suggests that for some people, using earbuds can lead to episodes of vertigo. If you experience vertigo after using earbuds, be sure to talk to your doctor. They may be able to help you find a solution that keeps you listening to your favorite tunes safely.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the relationship between earbuds and vertigo, and how to prevent vertigo.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a condition that affects your balance and can cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. While it can be caused by a variety of factors, some people believe that using earbuds can contribute to the development of vertigo. Symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Lightheartedness
- Nausea
- Unsteadiness
Vertigo can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. If you have vertigo that lasts for longer than 24 hours, it’s time to head to the doctor. They’ll want to know if any of your medications could be causing the problem and whether or not you’re suffering from any other medical conditions.
Type of Vertigo
There are many common types of vertigo that you should know about:
1. Vestibular vertigo: This type of vertigo is caused by a problem with your inner ear and brain that affects your balance and spatial orientation.
2. BPPV: This is the most common type of vertigo. It’s caused by a problem with your inner ear that can be triggered by head trauma, infection, or disease.
3. Meniere’s disease: This is a rare neurological disorder that can cause several types of vertigo, especially attacks that are brought on by pressure changes.
4. Perilymph fistula: If you have this condition, your inner ear has holes in it that allow fluid to escape into other spaces. It can be caused by a head injury, a tumor, or a ruptured eardrum.
5. Cholesteatoma: This is a mass of skin cells that builds up in the middle ear. Sometimes it distorts the eardrum, which leads to vertigo.
What Causes the Ear to Experience Vertigo?
As you probably know, the ear has three main parts. Each of these parts plays a different role in your sense of balance.
The ear is made up of three parts:
- Outer ear
- Middle
- Inner ear
Outer ear: The outer ear includes the auricle (the part you can see) as well as the external auditory canal, or ear canal. It also includes the eardrum, which is a thin piece of tissue that separates the outer and middle parts of your ear.
Middle ear: The middle ear is separated from the outer by the eardrum. It’s filled with air and contains several tiny bones called ossicles, as well as two small muscles. These bones and muscles pass the sound of your eardrum onto the inner ear.
Inner ear: The inner ear is made up of the cochlea (which contains nerve endings that transmit sound to your brain), semicircular canals (which contain fluid that moves when you move), the vestibule (which houses the receptors for balance), and the nerve endings of your balance system.
So what causes vertigo? Well, the inner ear is responsible for your sense of balance. When you experience vertigo, it’s because there’s a problem with this delicate balance system.
In some cases, it may be due to a blockage or buildup of fluid in one or more of your semicircular canals.
The Common Cause of Vertigo
1. Medications
The most common cause of vertigo is medications. If you currently take any anticholinergic drugs, such as those used to treat depression and anxiety, they could be making your symptoms worse. Antihistamines and high blood pressure medication can also trigger vertigo attacks.
2. BPPV
If you have BPPV, you’ll likely experience a sudden onset of vertigo. It can be brought on by something as simple as rolling over in bed or bending down to pick up an object from the floor.
3. Head injury
In rare cases, vertigo can be caused by a head injury. In some cases, it’s triggered by trauma that may have occurred a long time ago.
4. Infections and diseases
Ear infections, upper respiratory infections, and viral syndrome can all cause vertigo. So can a number of neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. In some cases, it may also be caused by a problem with your inner ear or brain that affects your balance system.
What Is the Relationship Between Earbuds and Vertigo?
Because the ear is a delicate organ, you need to be careful about what you put in it. It’s no surprise that earbuds can cause vertigo. Keep reading to find out why this happens and how to prevent it from happening to you.
Earbuds are inserted into the ear canal, which contains small bones and tissue that are sensitive to pressure changes.
There’s no doubt that earbuds are great for enjoying music and podcasts on the go, but there can be a downside.
When you use earbuds, they’re inserted into the ear canal which houses small bones and tissue that is sensitive to pressure changes. If you have sensitive ears, you could experience vertigo when using earbuds.
That’s why it’s possible to suffer from vertigo after using earbuds.
Some people are more sensitive to pressure changes in the ear canal than others, so not everyone who uses them will experience symptoms of vertigo.
How to Prevent Earbud Related Vertigo?
If you’re one of the unlucky people who are sensitive to pressure changes in your ear canal, there are some things you can do to minimize your risk.
Earbud discomfort is often connected with improper insertion. If this is happening to you, try these tips:
1. Keep them clean
Cleanliness may not be the most glamorous approach to earbud health, but it’s definitely important. If your earbuds are dirty, they’re much more likely to bother you when you wear them.
2. Take breaks
It’s always a good idea to take regular breaks from wearing your earbuds. This gives the delicate tissues of your inner ear time to recover.
3. Don’t sleep with them in
While it might be helpful if your earbuds are keeping you from being woken up by the noise, wearing them to bed can put unwanted pressure on your inner ear which can trigger vertigo symptoms.
4. Lower the volume:
Turn down the volume when you’re using your earbuds, especially if you’re in an area where there’s a lot of ambient noise. Never listen to your music or podcasts at such loud noise that you can’t hear what’s going on around you.
5. Adjust the earbuds properly:
Earbuds should be adjusted properly in your ears while listening to music or watching a video on your phone or computer.
6. Don’t wear earbuds for a prolonged time:
Don’t wear earbuds for a prolonged time. Taking breaks every 30-45 minutes is good to keep your ears stress-free and you can give them 50% of volume as this reduces the impact of ear pressure. Lastly, consult an audiologist if you have any problem related to your ear condition.
7. Don’t use noise cancelling earbuds:
If you suffer motion sickness, avoid noise canceling headphones or earbuds. They may cause your inner ears to feel pressure changes that could trigger vertigo symptoms.
8. See your doctor
If you experience vertigo after using earbuds, talk to your doctor. They can provide advice on how to limit or avoid triggering pressure changes in your ear canal, which may make them a better option for you.
How Long Should You Use Your Wireless Earbuds To Avoid Vertigo?
It is recommended to not use wireless earbuds for more than 1-2 hours a day. You should give 50% volume while using it and keep breaks in between every 30 minutes which will not cause any pressure changes in your ears.
The aforementioned tips can help you manage the discomfort you feel when wearing earbuds. If these tips don’t help, it is recommended to consult an audiologist.
When you use earbuds, they’re inserted into the ear canal which houses small bones and tissue that is sensitive to pressure changes.
If you have sensitive ears, you could experience vertigo symptoms when using them. Some people are more sensitive than others, so not everyone who uses earbuds will experience symptoms of vertigo.
FAQs
1. Can earbuds cause vertigo?
Yes, it is possible to suffer from vertigo after using earbuds.
2. What are some symptoms of vertigo?
Some of the most common symptoms of vertigo include the feeling that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving, a loss of balance, and nausea. Vertigo can occur at any age but becomes more common as people get older.
3. Can you get dizzy from using earbuds?
Yes, if you have sensitive ears and use earbuds you can get vertigo. You might also feel discomfort or pressure in your ear while using them.
4. What are the dangers of using earbuds?
The main risks of using earbuds are discomfort, temporary loss of balance, or vertigo.
5. Do noise cancelling headphones cause vertigo symptoms?
Yes, if you have a sensitive ear, noise cancelling headphones can cause vertigo.
6. How long should you use your wireless earbuds to avoid vertigo?
It is recommended to use your earbuds for not more than 1-2 hours a day. You should give 50% volume while using it and keep breaks in between every 30 minutes which will not cause any pressure changes in your ears.
8. Can be listening to loud music with earbuds cause vertigo?
Yes, if you have sensitive ears, listening to loud music with earbuds can cause vertigo.
Conclusion
Vertigo is a condition characterized by feeling like you or the room around you is spinning. If it happens to you, it can be scary, but it’s treatable.
When you are experiencing vertigo after using earbuds and the 8 tips do not provide relief, speaking to your doctor is your best option.
They may be able to help you find a solution that keeps you listening to your favorite tunes safely.
