3BHow Your Hearing Works 41
The cerebellum is the portion of the brain that is connected to the vestibular nerve, which transmits signals regarding balance to the brain. When a sudden loss of balance( such as missing a step on your way upstairs or stubbing your toe) occurs, the brain gets an instant message that there is danger to the system of balance. Involuntarily, you will move an arm or shift your weight to the other foot to keep your balance and avoid a fall. This is your vestibular system at work.
Your muscles are the final component in the system and when everything is working correctly, they receive the information from the brain to keep your body in line. Picture a child walking along a wall or a beam: the child will effortlessly know when to put a hand out to the side or how to correct his / her posture to keep balance and stay on the line. Now, picture an inebriated adult trying to pass a sobriety test. The person’ s brain function is impaired by alcohol and the messages from the brain to the muscles are slow and fuzzy. No matter how much he / she tries, the person will be unable to walk a straight line by putting one foot in front of the other.
201 3 Tinnitus Miracl e – Tho mas Co l eman- Page 41