Balance is the ability to maintain a stable and controlled body position during everyday activities such as walking, getting dressed, bending down to put on shoes, or carrying groceries. Some dizziness and balance problems can result from issues with the vestibular (balance) system, a sensory system located in the inner ear.
To keep you balanced, your brain uses information from three key systems. These systems work closely together to help your brain understand where your body is and how it is moving.
Visual system (eyes)
Your eyes do much more than help you see clearly. They provide your brain with important information about your surroundings, including obstacles, changes in surface levels, and your body’s position in space. Common eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and uncorrected vision problems can make it harder to judge distances, spot hazards, and move safely around our environment.
Vestibular system (inner ear)
The vestibular system is located in the inner ear. It senses head movement and helps control balance to keep you upright. It works closely with your eyes to help your brain understand how your body is moving and where it is positioned.
Proprioception (muscles and joints)
Your body’s awareness of the position and movement of muscles and joints.
What you can do
When one or more of these systems are affected, staying balanced can become harder, and the risk of falls may increase. The good news is there are simple steps you can take to support your balance and prevent falls:
- Get your eyes checked every year, or sooner if you notice changes in your vision. Regular eye examinations can help detect and manage vision changes before they affect your daily activities.
- If you experience dizziness, vertigo, unsteadiness, or ongoing balance problems, speak with your GP about having your hearing and balance assessed (audiometry and vestibular assessment) and whether referral to an audiologist, vestibular physiotherapist, or ENT specialist is appropriate.
- Participate in strength and balance exercises every other day to improve your proprioception.
- Use the Stay On Your Feet® Home Safety Guide to spot and remove hazards around your home.