Winter can make balance problems worse. Icy pavements, wet leaves, darker evenings and seasonal viruses all increase the risk of dizziness, unsteadiness and falls. At angli-EAR Hearing, our Balance & Vestibular Service helps you stay safe, steady and confident throughout the colder months.
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Why Does My Balance Feel Worse in Winter?
Balance issues often feel more noticeable in winter because:
- Surfaces are slippery (ice, frost, wet leaves, rain)
- Illness is more common (colds, flu, sinus problems and ear infections can trigger dizziness)
- There is less daylight, making it harder to judge steps
But winter can also worsen existing balance symptoms. Here’s how:
How Winter Conditions Can Make Dizziness and Balance Problems Worse
1. Cold temperatures tense your muscles
Cold weather tightens neck and leg muscles. A stiff neck affects how your brain receives balance information, making dizziness more noticeable.
2. Reduced daylight affects vision
Vision is a key balance tool. Dim light, glare from the low winter sun and long evenings make uneven ground harder to judge, increasing unsteadiness.
3. Slippery surfaces change how you walk
On icy or wet paths, people automatically take smaller steps, tense their bodies and look down more. These “cautious gait” changes disrupt normal balance patterns.
4. Winter viruses disrupt the inner ear
Colds, flu and sinus congestion can affect the Eustachian tube and middle ear pressure, or irritate the vestibular nerve — all of which can heighten dizziness or vertigo.
5. Dehydration is more common
We often drink less in winter without realising. Dehydration lowers blood pressure and increases light-headedness, especially when standing or moving quickly.
6. Medication changes in winter
Cold and flu remedies, antihistamines and extra pain medication can cause drowsiness or dizziness, worsening balance symptoms.
7. Heavy clothing alters movement
Bulky winter coats and scarves restrict head movement and peripheral vision, subtly affecting stability.
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What Is the Vestibular System?
Your vestibular system – located inside the inner ear – helps control:
- balance
- spatial awareness
- stable vision during movement
If it isn’t working well, you may notice dizziness, vertigo, unsteadiness or difficulty walking in the dark. Winter conditions can worsen these symptoms.
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How Can I Improve My Balance in Winter?
1. Stay Active Indoors
- Try to keep moving even when it’s too cold to go outside. Light indoor exercise helps your body stay fit.
2. Wear Proper Winter Footwear
- Slip-resistant soles
- Good ankle support
3. Improve Home Safety
- Better lighting in hallways & stairs
- Remove tripping hazards
- Use handrails
4. Stay Hydrated
Even mild dehydration can increase dizziness.
5. Walk Safely on Ice
- Take small, “penguin-style” steps
- Keep entrances clear of ice or leaves
- Use an ice grip on walking sticks
- Walk slowly and look ahead
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Who Should Get Their Balance Checked?
Consider a balance check if you:
- Feel unsteady or “off balance”
- Have dizziness when turning your head
- Recently had a fall or near-fall
- Struggle walking in low light
- Are recovering from a cold, flu or ear infection
- Experience vertigo or motion sensitivity
If any of these sound familiar, a quick screening can help.
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Our Balance & Vestibular Service
We offer:
- Full vestibular and balance assessments
- Diagnosis and treatment of positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Personalised vestibular rehabilitation
- Expert Vestibular Physiotherapist specialising in balance disorders
We help you understand why you feel unsteady – and what can be done about it.
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FREE 15-Minute Balance Health Check
Not sure whether your balance needs attention?
Book our FREE 15-minute Balance Health Check, a simple screening that helps you:
- Understand your current balance
- Identify fall or dizziness risks
- Know whether a full assessment is recommended
It’s the easiest first step towards steadier, safer movement this winter.
