%Start Ear Stones Causes, Symptoms, Complications, and Treatment Health ConditionsFeaturedBreast CancerIBD MigraineMultiple Sclerosis (MS)Rheumatoid ArthritisType 2 DiabetesSponsored TopicsArticlesAcid RefluxADHDAllergiesAlzheimer's & DementiaBipolar DisorderCancerCrohn's DiseaseChronic PainCold & FluCOPDDepressionFibromyalgiaHeart DiseaseHigh CholesterolHIVHypertensionIPFOsteoarthritisPsoriasisSkin Disorders and CareSTDsDiscoverWellness TopicsNutritionFitnessSkin CareSexual HealthWomen's HealthMental HealthSleepOriginal SeriesFresh Food FastDiagnosis DiariesYou’re Not AlonePresent TenseVideo SeriesYouth in FocusHealthy HarvestNo More SilenceFuture of HealthPlanHealth ChallengesMindful EatingSugar SavvyMove Your BodyGut HealthMood FoodsAlign Your SpineFind CarePrimary CareMental HealthOB-GYNDermatologistsNeurologistsCardiologistsOrthopedistsLifestyle QuizzesWeight ManagementAm I Depressed? A Quiz for TeensAre You a Workaholic?How Well Do You Sleep?Tools & ResourcesHealth NewsFind a DietFind Healthy SnacksDrugs A-ZHealth A-ZConnectFind Your Bezzy CommunityBreast CancerInflammatory Bowel DiseasePsoriatic ArthritisMigraineMultiple SclerosisPsoriasisFollow us on social mediaShopProducts by ConditionInsomniaStress ReliefBack PainNeck PainSleep ApneaHot SleepersAllergiesPain ReliefProduct ReviewsVitamins & SupplementsSleepMental HealthNutritionAt-Home TestingCBDMen’s HealthWomen’s HealthHealth ConditionsDiscoverPlanConnectShopSubscribe
What Are Ear Stones Also Known as Otoconia
Medically reviewed by Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP — By Daniel Yetman on October 7, 2022Your ear is a complex organ made up of three parts:Outer ear: This consists of your external ear and your ear canal, which helps funnel sound waves into your middle ear.Middle ear: This is made up of your eardrum and three small bones that amplify sound.Inner ear: This is where sound waves are converted to electrical signals that get sent to your brain. It also contains your vestibular system, a group of organs that provide your brain with information related to balance and body position.
thumb_upLike (17)
commentReply (1)
shareShare
visibility354 views
thumb_up17 likes
comment
1 replies
A
Alexander Wang 1 minutes ago
Otoconia, or ear stones, are small crystals of calcium carbonate found in two organs of your vestibu...
D
Daniel Kumar Member
access_time
6 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
Otoconia, or ear stones, are small crystals of calcium carbonate found in two organs of your vestibular system called the saccule and utricle. Typically, otoconia stimulate the hairlike cells of these organs in order to signal to your brain that your body is accelerating, 2015 research explains. This helps you maintain your balance.
thumb_upLike (36)
commentReply (0)
thumb_up36 likes
S
Sophie Martin Member
access_time
6 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
Sometimes, otoconia get dislodged from their proper position. This may disrup your sense of balance and lead to a condition called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Read on to learn what might cause issues with otoconia and how these concerns are treated.
thumb_upLike (40)
commentReply (0)
thumb_up40 likes
J
Joseph Kim Member
access_time
4 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
Why we have ear stones
Everybody has tiny stones inside their inner ear. They help your brain interpret changes in speed as you move. These stones, called otoconia, can range in size from 1 to 30 micrometers (1/847 to 1/25,400 of an inch).
thumb_upLike (47)
commentReply (1)
thumb_up47 likes
comment
1 replies
A
Aria Nguyen 4 minutes ago
They’re primarily made up of calcium carbonate, the same substance that’s used as a calcium supp...
E
Ethan Thomas Member
access_time
5 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
They’re primarily made up of calcium carbonate, the same substance that’s used as a calcium supplement and antacid. Without otoconia, you wouldn’t be able to sense the linear acceleration of your body. These crystals stimulate hairlike cells found in two organs in your inner ear called the utricle and saccule.
thumb_upLike (30)
commentReply (3)
thumb_up30 likes
comment
3 replies
M
Madison Singh 4 minutes ago
These hairlike cells send electrical information to your brain for interpretation. The utricle prima...
E
Emma Wilson 3 minutes ago
Together, these two organs are called the otolith organs. Complications with your otoconia can cause...
These hairlike cells send electrical information to your brain for interpretation. The utricle primarily senses changes in horizontal acceleration while the saccule is more sensitive to vertical acceleration.
thumb_upLike (46)
commentReply (0)
thumb_up46 likes
D
Daniel Kumar Member
access_time
21 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
Together, these two organs are called the otolith organs. Complications with your otoconia can cause concerns related to balance, as well as dizziness.
thumb_upLike (35)
commentReply (3)
thumb_up35 likes
comment
3 replies
D
Dylan Patel 18 minutes ago
Ear stones complications
Ear stone complications are highly related to a common condition c...
J
Julia Zhang 6 minutes ago
When you tilt your head, the fluid in these canals bends the hairlike cells along their inner surfac...
Ear stone complications are highly related to a common condition called BPPV and may be related to age-related balance changes.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo BPPV
Along with your otolith organs, your inner ear also contains three fluid-filled semicircular canals.
thumb_upLike (18)
commentReply (0)
thumb_up18 likes
W
William Brown Member
access_time
9 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
When you tilt your head, the fluid in these canals bends the hairlike cells along their inner surface. This motion sends electrical information to your brain.
thumb_upLike (38)
commentReply (0)
thumb_up38 likes
N
Natalie Lopez Member
access_time
30 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
Each canal has a different role:One senses forward and back head movements.One detects side-to-side tilt.One detects rotation of your head. Otoconia can become dislodged from your otolith organs and move into these three canals, experts explain.
thumb_upLike (20)
commentReply (3)
thumb_up20 likes
comment
3 replies
J
Joseph Kim 8 minutes ago
When this happens, it can cause BPPV. BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. Vertigo is the perce...
A
Andrew Wilson 3 minutes ago
The type of vertigo brought on by BPPV is usually short-lasting and associated with sudden head move...
When this happens, it can cause BPPV. BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. Vertigo is the perception of motion when you’re not moving.
thumb_upLike (12)
commentReply (0)
thumb_up12 likes
S
Sebastian Silva Member
access_time
48 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
The type of vertigo brought on by BPPV is usually short-lasting and associated with sudden head movements. The lifetime prevalence of BPPV is estimated to be about 2.4% and is about 2 to 3 times more common among women than men.
Loss of otoconia with age
Your vestibular system becomes slower with age.
thumb_upLike (12)
commentReply (0)
thumb_up12 likes
T
Thomas Anderson Member
access_time
52 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
Researchers are still trying to understand exactly why this system slows down. In a 2019 study, researchers suggested that loss of otoconia with age may be a major reason why people experience an increased lack of balance as they get older. According to a 2021 research review, studies suggest that the number of otoconia in both otolithic organs decreases with age, but that the loss may be worse in the saccule.
thumb_upLike (15)
commentReply (1)
thumb_up15 likes
comment
1 replies
M
Mia Anderson 8 minutes ago
Loose ear stones symptoms
If otoconia break off from your otolithic organs and you develop ...
R
Ryan Garcia Member
access_time
28 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
Loose ear stones symptoms
If otoconia break off from your otolithic organs and you develop BPPV, you may experience symptoms, such as:dizzinesslightheadednessbalance problemsrapid involuntary eye movementsnausea and vomiting
When to contact a doctor
It’s a good idea to reach out to your doctor anytime you have recurrent, unexplained dizziness or vertigo. Dizziness can be a sign of a serious condition.
thumb_upLike (37)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up37 likes
comment
2 replies
L
Liam Wilson 5 minutes ago
Contact a doctor right away or go to an urgent care clinic if you also develop concerning symptoms l...
D
Dylan Patel 9 minutes ago
This refers to a series of movements that you perform in a doctor’s office, while the doctor obser...
J
Jack Thompson Member
access_time
60 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
Contact a doctor right away or go to an urgent care clinic if you also develop concerning symptoms like:new or severe headachetrouble speaking or confusiondouble visionnumbness or tingling in your limbsloss of consciousnessfalling or collapsing
Diagnosing loose ear stones
Diagnosing BPPV is usually done with a physical exam. It involves a test called the Dix-Hallpike Maneuver.
thumb_upLike (49)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up49 likes
comment
2 replies
D
Daniel Kumar 31 minutes ago
This refers to a series of movements that you perform in a doctor’s office, while the doctor obser...
I
Isabella Johnson 34 minutes ago
According to the Vestibular Disorders Association, the exercises are effective for treating BPPV in ...
D
Dylan Patel Member
access_time
48 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
This refers to a series of movements that you perform in a doctor’s office, while the doctor observes your responses.
Loose ear stones treatment
The first-line treatment for BPPV involves physical therapy exercises to move the ear stones out of your semicircular canals and back into your otolith organs to be reabsorbed, according to 2022 research. These exercises are called canalith repositioning procedures.
thumb_upLike (47)
commentReply (1)
thumb_up47 likes
comment
1 replies
S
Sebastian Silva 21 minutes ago
According to the Vestibular Disorders Association, the exercises are effective for treating BPPV in ...
E
Elijah Patel Member
access_time
85 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
According to the Vestibular Disorders Association, the exercises are effective for treating BPPV in about 80% of people.
Canalith repositioning procedures
The two main procedures used to treat BPPV are called the Epley and Semont-Liberatory maneuvers. The one that your doctor recommends depends on where in your ear the stones are found.
thumb_upLike (41)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up41 likes
comment
2 replies
N
Nathan Chen 66 minutes ago
Epley maneuver
During the Epley maneuver, the practitioner will:Turn your head in the direc...
C
Christopher Lee 20 minutes ago
Semont-Liberatory maneuver
During the Semont-Liberatory maneuver, the practitioner will:Hav...
I
Isaac Schmidt Member
access_time
90 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
Epley maneuver
During the Epley maneuver, the practitioner will:Turn your head in the direction of your affected earHave you lie on your back quickly with your head turned in the same direction.Move your head slowly in the opposite direction.Turn your body in line with your head, with your chin tucked to your bottom shoulder.Have you sit upright with your head still tucked to your shoulder.Have you slowly raise your head. This video can show you how the maneuver is performed.
thumb_upLike (12)
commentReply (0)
thumb_up12 likes
R
Ryan Garcia Member
access_time
19 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
Semont-Liberatory maneuver
During the Semont-Liberatory maneuver, the practitioner will:Have you sit on the edge of a bed with your head turned away from the affected side.Quickly move you into a side-lying position with your head turned up.Keep you in this position for at least 20 seconds.Quickly move you back up and have you lie on the opposite side with your head lying down.Keep you in this position for at least 30 seconds.Slowly bring you back into a sitting position.
Medications and surgery
Your doctor may prescribe medications to treat dizziness associated with BPPV, such as:antihistamines (the most common is Meclizine, which treats the symptoms but not the underlying cause)anticholinergicssedative-hypnotics
Rarely, a doctor may recommend surgery if canalith repositioning procedures aren’t effective and BPPV reoccurs frequently.
thumb_upLike (2)
commentReply (3)
thumb_up2 likes
comment
3 replies
H
Henry Schmidt 10 minutes ago
Surgery is performed in less than 1% of cases of BBPV. The most common surgeries are:Singular neurec...
H
Hannah Kim 1 minutes ago
This procedure can resolve vertigo in 80% to 97% of cases but has fairly high rates of hearing loss....
Surgery is performed in less than 1% of cases of BBPV. The most common surgeries are:Singular neurectomy: The nerve that carries information from the posterior semicircular canal is divided.
thumb_upLike (19)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up19 likes
comment
2 replies
J
Joseph Kim 34 minutes ago
This procedure can resolve vertigo in 80% to 97% of cases but has fairly high rates of hearing loss....
V
Victoria Lopez 22 minutes ago
If these cells break off and enter your semicircular canals, it can lead to a condition called BPPV....
T
Thomas Anderson Member
access_time
105 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
This procedure can resolve vertigo in 80% to 97% of cases but has fairly high rates of hearing loss.Posterior semicircular canal occlusion: A highly effective procedure where a surgeon blocks the posterior semicircular canal to desensitize stimulation.
Takeaway
Organs in your inner ear called the saccule and utricle contain tiny calcium carbonate stones called otoconia that help your body sense acceleration.
thumb_upLike (39)
commentReply (1)
thumb_up39 likes
comment
1 replies
A
Aria Nguyen 12 minutes ago
If these cells break off and enter your semicircular canals, it can lead to a condition called BPPV....
I
Isaac Schmidt Member
access_time
44 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
If these cells break off and enter your semicircular canals, it can lead to a condition called BPPV. BPPV is usually treated with physical therapy exercises. Surgery is rarely needed but a doctor may recommend it if you have serious and recurrent BPPV.
thumb_upLike (15)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up15 likes
comment
2 replies
W
William Brown 20 minutes ago
Last medically reviewed on October 7, 2022
How we vetted this article
SourcesHistoryHealt...
C
Chloe Santos 44 minutes ago
You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial ...
J
Jack Thompson Member
access_time
115 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
Last medically reviewed on October 7, 2022
How we vetted this article
SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
thumb_upLike (7)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up7 likes
comment
2 replies
E
Evelyn Zhang 68 minutes ago
You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial ...
C
Christopher Lee 9 minutes ago
(2014).Vertigo - Epley manoeuvre from BMJ Learning [Video file]. youtube.com/watch?v=jBzID5nVQjk...
W
William Brown Member
access_time
96 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo BPPV . (n.d.). vestibular.org/article/diagnosis-treatment/types-of-vestibular-disorders/benign-paroxysmal-positional-vertigo-bppv/BMJ Learning.
thumb_upLike (11)
commentReply (0)
thumb_up11 likes
J
Julia Zhang Member
access_time
50 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
(2014).Vertigo - Epley manoeuvre from BMJ Learning [Video file]. youtube.com/watch?v=jBzID5nVQjkCanalith repositioning procedure (for BPPV). (n.d.). vestibular.org/article/diagnosis-treatment/treatments/canalith-repositioning-procedure-for-bppv/Hegemann SCA, et al. (2019).
thumb_upLike (28)
commentReply (1)
thumb_up28 likes
comment
1 replies
L
Luna Park 20 minutes ago
Otoconial loss or lack of otoconia - an overlooked or ignored diagnosis of balance deficits. pub...
J
Joseph Kim Member
access_time
130 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
Otoconial loss or lack of otoconia - an overlooked or ignored diagnosis of balance deficits. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31203902/How does our sense of balance work? (2020). ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279394/Kao WTK, et al. (2017).
thumb_upLike (20)
commentReply (1)
thumb_up20 likes
comment
1 replies
J
Joseph Kim 40 minutes ago
Otoconia and otolithic membrane fragments within the posterior semicircular canal in BPPV. ncbi....
A
Aria Nguyen Member
access_time
108 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
Otoconia and otolithic membrane fragments within the posterior semicircular canal in BPPV. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5321776/Lundberg YW, et al. (2015).
thumb_upLike (5)
commentReply (3)
thumb_up5 likes
comment
3 replies
E
Evelyn Zhang 92 minutes ago
Mechanisms of otoconia and otolith development. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4482761/Palmeri...
A
Amelia Singh 1 minutes ago
(2021). Age-related changes in the cochlea and vestibule: Shared patterns and processes. ncbi.nl...
Mechanisms of otoconia and otolith development. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4482761/Palmeri R, et al. (2022). Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470308/Paplou V, et al.
thumb_upLike (24)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up24 likes
comment
2 replies
D
David Cohen 53 minutes ago
(2021). Age-related changes in the cochlea and vestibule: Shared patterns and processes. ncbi.nl...
(2021). Age-related changes in the cochlea and vestibule: Shared patterns and processes. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8446668/You P, et al. (2019).
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6383320/Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version
Oct 7, 2022
By
Daniel Yetman
Edited By
Roman Gokhman
Medically Reviewed By
Nicole Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP
Copy Edited By
Chris Doka
Share this articleMedically reviewed by Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP — By Daniel Yetman on October 7, 2022
Read this next
Why Does My Ear Tickle?Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN
Tickling, itching, and tingling are all common symptoms that can occur in ears. Learn more about what a tickle in your ear might mean, when to see a…READ MOREWhy Does My Ear Feel Clogged?Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN
A clogged ear may not cause pain, but muffled sounds and straining to hear can be a real nuisance.
thumb_upLike (35)
commentReply (1)
thumb_up35 likes
comment
1 replies
L
Lucas Martinez 64 minutes ago
We'll tell you the possible causes.READ MOREEarwax BlockageMedically reviewed by Stacy Sampson,...
M
Mia Anderson Member
access_time
62 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
We'll tell you the possible causes.READ MOREEarwax BlockageMedically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. Earwax blockage can occur when your body produces too much earwax or when the existing wax is pushed too far into your ear canal.
thumb_upLike (20)
commentReply (1)
thumb_up20 likes
comment
1 replies
A
Alexander Wang 17 minutes ago
Read on to learn how…READ MOREWhat to Know About Capillary Leak SyndromeMedically reviewed by Mere...
E
Ella Rodriguez Member
access_time
128 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
Read on to learn how…READ MOREWhat to Know About Capillary Leak SyndromeMedically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP
Capillary leak syndrome is a rare disorder that causes a dramatic drop in blood pressure. Early diagnosis is important to ensure proper treatment and…READ MOREEverything You Need to Know About Popping Your EarsMedically reviewed by Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP
If your ears feel "full," you may find it helpful to pop them.
thumb_upLike (0)
commentReply (1)
thumb_up0 likes
comment
1 replies
I
Isabella Johnson 64 minutes ago
In many cases, popping your ears is as easy as getting your mouth muscles moving…READ MOREEarwax R...
N
Noah Davis Member
access_time
99 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
In many cases, popping your ears is as easy as getting your mouth muscles moving…READ MOREEarwax Removal Home RemediesMedically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN
Explore which household items you can use to clear your ears of excess earwax, and about some potentially dangerous techniques to avoid.READ MOREWhat is Hyperacusis? Learn how to recognize the symptoms of hyperacusis as well as its causes, treatment, how it compares to similar conditions like tinnitus, and more.READ MORE12 Ways to Get Water Out of Your EarMedically reviewed by Chris Young, DNP, RN, NE-BC, NPD
Having water in your ear may lead to infection, but there are several methods for draining it out. Here are 12 home remedies for removing water from…READ MORE*clone Market VIP* The 11 Best Mattresses for Lower Back Pain in 2022Medically reviewed by Gregory Minnis, DPT
These 11 picks are some of the best mattresses for lower back pain.
thumb_upLike (44)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up44 likes
comment
2 replies
D
Daniel Kumar 26 minutes ago
Offering medium-firm support, they’ll help keep you aligned and rested.READ MOREWhat Is Post-Inten...
I
Isaac Schmidt 94 minutes ago
Ear Stones Causes, Symptoms, Complications, and Treatment Health ConditionsFeaturedBreast CancerIBD ...
A
Audrey Mueller Member
access_time
170 minutes ago
Saturday, 03 May 2025
Offering medium-firm support, they’ll help keep you aligned and rested.READ MOREWhat Is Post-Intensive Care Syndrome?Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT
Post-intensive care syndrome is a group of physical, cognitive, and mental health issues that can occur after severe illness, most often after a stay…READ MORE