Many of the symptoms experienced by people affected by dizziness and balance disorders are obscure and frightening. This symptom list is incomplete and does not apply to everyone with an inner-ear disorder. It may aid many people who have been unable to make sense out of their seemingly abnormal sensations and symptoms. We hope it is a relief to discover that these symptoms are caused by a physical problem, that they are real and not imagined.

Vision

• Objects jump (silverware jumps off the table, stairs swing)
• Reading is difficult (print moves, vision blurs or doubles, words or letters switch)
• Writing may be difficult.
• Lights glow or emit rays, glare is intensified.
• Tendency to look down. Discomfort increases when you focus at a distance.
• Night blindness increases.
• Poor depth perception.
• Moving or flickering lights may be disturbing.

Hearing

• Can fluctuate, be lost completely, or be unaffected.
• Distortions such as popping, clicking, buzzing can occur.
• Loud environments may be uncomfortable or sickening.
• The ears may feel full.

Nausea

• Continual or intermittent nausea(or only in morning or as fatigue increases).
• A hangover feeling or seasick sensation in the head and/or stomach.
• Motion sickness.

Memory

• Poor memory
• You may forget what you are talking about, grope for words.
• Confusion, disorientation, inability to comprehend directions, instructions.

Coordination

• Clumsiness (dropping things, difficulty threading needle).
• Sensation of heavy weights on the head.
• The center of balance is off.
• Muscle and joint pains.
• Balance may be normal (via compensation with vision or touch).
• Rocking sensation (as if you’re in a rowboat).
• Difficulty walking straight.
• Slurred speech.

Emotions

• Loss of self-reliance, self confidence, self-esteem.
• Distraction
• Depression

Other

• Headaches
• Discomfort worsened by high altitude.
• Fatigue, everyday tasks are exhausting.
• Violent whirling sensations (vertigo), nausea, vomiting.

The human balance system depends on information that the brain receives from the eyes, the muscles and joints of the body, and the inner ear. If the inner ear is damaged, the brain may receive incorrect information. The result may be dizziness or imbalance problems.

There are many different symptoms of inner ear vestibular disorders as there are individuals, and degrees of severity. Also, an inner-ear disorder may be present even in the absence of imbalance, a hearing problem, or vertigo.

People affected by some of these symptoms may be perceived as inattentive or lazy, or may be thought to be hypochondriacs.

Getting a diagnosis, adhering to your treatment, and learning as much as you can about your problem, will assist you in your recovery.