Balance is maintained through a complex, interactive system that involves several parts of the body:
Inner ear. The inner ear has a small structure, called the labyrinth, containing three fluid-filled semicircular canals. The fluid flows in response to the position of the body (similar to the bubble on a level), sending signals to the brain that convey position and movement.
The eyes. The eyes provide visual cues to the brain, giving information on where the body is located in space, the sense of direction and the position of other objects in the environment.
Muscles and joints. The muscles and joints contain receptors that tell the brain how the legs and arms are moving and the speed of the motion. Sensory impulses from the neck provide additional information on which way the head is turned.
The skin. The skin contains touch receptors that tell the brain about the location of certain areas of the body (like a foot hitting the ground or the back resting on a bed).

The spinal cord and brain. The spinal cord contains the network of nerves, or wiring, through which communication signals are sent to and from the brain and the rest of the body. The brain is the central processing area, taking all the sensory information, processing it and telling the body if adjustments are needed to maintain balance.

With temperatures soaring and heat indices topping out in the triple digits, many are flocking to swimming pools and local waterways. But this could expose you to an unwanted infection.

Researchers are now searching for ways to restore hearing by regenerating lost hearing cells. Some other animals, like birds and reptiles, have the ability to regenerate lost hair cells. So there is some hope scientists may find a way to initiate the process in humans.

  The key to preventing age-related hearing loss may be in the genes.