Ear crystals: symptoms, causes, and treatment

Understanding ear crystals

Have you ever experienced a sudden feeling of dizziness or a spinning sensation when moving your head? This could be caused by tiny particles in your inner ear, known as ear crystals. Also called otoliths or ear stones, these small but essential structures play a key role in balance.

What are crystals in the ear

Ear crystals are tiny calcium carbonate deposits in the vestibular system of your inner ear, responsible for balance and spatial awareness. These crystals usually rest on a gel-like layer within the utricle, working with sensory cells to detect motion and head position changes.

When functioning properly, these crystals allow your body to perceive movement, like tilting your head or walking. However, they can sometimes become dislodged and move into the semicircular canals, areas of the vestibular system not designed to handle them. This displacement can confuse the brain's interpretation of movement signals, causing a condition called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

audiologo che fa un otoscopia ad una bambina sorridente.

What makes ear crystals move?

Ear stones, or otoliths, can move or become dislodged due to several factors. Here are some of the most common causes:

Head trauma or injury

A blow to the head or neck can cause the ear crystals to shift from their normal position in the utricle, a part of the inner ear. This sudden impact can dislodge the crystals, leading them to enter the semicircular canals, where they can disrupt normal balance signals.

Age-related changes

As we age, the natural wear and tear on the inner ear's structures can lead to the crystals becoming more prone to displacement. Over time, the ear crystals may loosen or break down, increasing the likelihood of them moving out of place.

Infections or illness

Infections or conditions affecting the inner ear, such as labyrinthitis or Meniere’s disease, can sometimes cause the ear crystals to become dislodged. These conditions affect the normal function of the vestibular system and may lead to balance issues.

Genetic factors

In some cases, genetic factors may increase the risk of ear crystals dislodging, with a family history potentially playing a role.

Symptoms of ear crystals

When ear stones shift out of place, vertigo is the most noticeable symptom—a spinning or whirling sensation that can make even basic tasks challenging.

Other common symptoms of ear stones include:

Dizziness from crystals in the ear - a general feeling of unsteadiness or light-headedness;
Nausea - commonly linked with severe episodes of vertigo;
Imbalance - difficulty maintaining stability, particularly when walking or standing;
Motion sensitivity - dizziness or discomfort triggered by sudden head movements.

Do ear crystals cause tinnitus?

While tinnitus—a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears—is not a typical symptom of ear crystals, it can sometimes occur alongside related conditions like BPPV or other inner ear disorders.

How long can ear crystal issues last?

Many people experience significant relief after undergoing repositioning manoeuvres or therapy, while others may take longer to recover. The duration of ear crystal problems depends on the individual and the effectiveness of treatment.

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How to diagnose ear crystals disorders

To diagnose vertigo caused by ear crystal displacement, the specialist doctor will rely on several factors:

Clinical data: characteristics of vertigo (subjective or objective), mode of onset (e.g., a change in position in bed), and any associated symptoms (e.g., tinnitus, ear blockage)
Physical examination: checking for nystagmus (rapid eye movements) and potential postural asymmetries, often assessed using the Romberg test
Instrumental tests: these include static and dynamic posturography, thermal tests, the Head Impulse Test, and Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPs). In certain cases, additional imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI may be required to complete the diagnosis

How to treat ear crystal disorders

If you're experiencing recurring or severe symptoms like dizziness from crystals in the ear or vertigo, it's important to consult with an ENT specialist or audiologist to receive a proper diagnosis and explore the most effective treatment options for your condition.

The most common treatments for ear crystals include:

Epley Manoeuvre

The Epley manoeuvre is one of the most widely used treatments for benign positional vertigo crystals (BPPV). It involves a series of head movements performed by a trained healthcare professional to reposition the ear crystals back to their proper location in the inner ear.

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy

For patients who continue to experience balance problems or dizziness even after repositioning treatments, vestibular rehabilitation therapy may be recommended. This therapy includes specific exercises designed to retrain the balance system in the inner ear, helping the brain adjust to changes in movement and restore stability. It’s particularly effective for those dealing with long-term symptoms and can be tailored to the individual’s needs.

Further therapy for persistent ear crystal issues

In some cases, symptoms may persist despite initial treatments. For these patients, crystals in ear therapy or more advanced interventions may be considered. This could involve a combination of repositioning techniques, lifestyle changes, and further therapeutic exercises. Your ENT specialist or audiologist will guide you through the best options based on your unique condition.

Tips for managing ear crystal disorders

If you're experiencing symptoms of ear crystal disorders like BPPV, managing your condition is essential for maintaining balance and improving your quality of life. While professional treatment is often necessary, there are some simple steps you can take every day to help manage your symptoms:

Performe balance exercises regularly
Avoid sudden head movements
Stay hydrated and nourished

What vitamin helps with ear crystals disorders?

Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium metabolism, and there is research suggesting that vitamin D deficiency can impact the health of the inner ear, including the density and function of calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia), which are involved in balance.

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