18/06/2025
🌟 A Personal Journey 🌟
In 2018, I lost the hearing in my left ear due to a virus that also left me with tinnitus. I was told the damage to my vestibular nerve meant no hearing aid would help. I accepted that… or so I thought.
Over the next five years, my balance slowly deteriorated. I started using a stick just to feel confident walking. I chalked it up to aging (I’m in my 70s), but then in Spring 2024, things changed!
While rushing for a train at Victoria Station, I suddenly keeled over. No warning. I didn’t lose consciousness, but it shook me badly. Days later, the same thing happened at home — and that time, it shattered my confidence. I barely wanted to leave the house.
Through my own research, I discovered that the vestibular nerve damage might be at the root of my balance issues. Eventually, I connected with Rehab4u, who put me in touch with a neuro-physiotherapist. In April 2024, I had my first session.
It was life-changing!
We started with just a conversation and a few exercises — but I felt like a massive weight had lifted. Since then, with regular sessions and support, I’ve learned how to train my brain to adapt and rebuild my confidence.
I’m still living with the condition, but now I can do things I hadn’t imagined: look up, turn, pick things up, move freely — all without fear.
👉 If you’re struggling with unexplained balance issues — especially after ear damage or hearing loss — please know that there is help, and it can work.
Thank you to my physiotherapist and to Rehab4u. You’ve given me back my life.
📌 Feel free to share if you know someone who may need to hear this.
