Hearing & Balance Testing

Common Balance Test Questions

• What is vestibular balance disorder?

  Dizziness and a spinning sensation (vertigo) are symptoms of a vestibular balance disorder. Balance disorders can occur at any age. But they are most common as you get older.

  Your ear is a complex system of bone and cartilage. Within it is a network of canals. These are called semicircular canals. The canals are filled with fluid. The position of the fluid changes with movement. A sensor in the ear then sends the information to your brain to add to your sense of balance. These and other delicate pieces make up the vestibular system.

  Certain things can affect the signals from any of the parts of the vestibular system, causing symptoms.

• What causes vestibular balance disorders?

  Common causes of vestibular balance disorders include:

  • Medicines
  • Infection of the middle ear
  • Inner ear problems, such as poor circulation in the ear
  • Calcium debris in your semicircular canals
    • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
  • Problems rooted in your brain, such as traumatic brain injury

• What are the symptoms of vestibular balance disorders?

  The symptoms of a vestibular balance disorder include:

  • Dizziness
  • Feeling off-balance
  • Feeling as if you are floating or as if the world is spinning
  • Blurred vision
  • Disorientation
  • Falling or stumbling

  Less common symptoms include:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Anxiety
  • Fear
  • Changes in your heart's rhythm

• How is a vestibular balance disorder diagnosed?

  You may need to work with an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT or otolaryngologist). Many conditions can make you feel dizzy and lightheaded. Part of the diagnosis may include ruling out other causes. After your health history is reviewed, you may need the following tests:

  • Clinical tests of balance
    • VNG (videonystagmography). These are tests that record eye movements. They can help your healthcare provider find the cause of your disorder. Your vision system is a major part of your sense of balance.
  • Hearing exam
  • Blood tests
  • Imaging tests of the head and brain

• How is a vestibular balance disorder treated?

  Treatment will depend on the cause of your balance disorder and may include:

  • Treating any underlying causes. Depending on the cause, you may need antibiotics or antifungal treatments. These can treat ear infections that are causing your balance disorder.
  • Changes in lifestyle. You may be able to ease some symptoms with changes in diet and activity. This includes quitting smoking or staying away from nicotine.
  • Epley maneuver (canalith repositioning maneuvers). These are a specialized series of head and chest movements. The goal is to reposition particles in your semicircular canals so that they don’t set off symptoms.
  • Surgery. When medicine and other therapies can't control your symptoms, you may need surgery. The procedure depends on the underlying cause of the disorder.
  • Rehabilitation. If you struggle with vestibular balance disorders, you may need vestibular rehabilitation. This helps you move through your day safely. A rehab specialist will help you learn how to cope with dizziness in your daily life. You may need to learn better safety strategies and make adjustments for:
    • Going up and down stairs
    • Driving (ask your healthcare provider when it will be safe for you to drive)
    • Walking, bending over, and exercising
    • Using the bathroom
    • Organizing your home to make it safer, such as tightening handrails
    • Changing your shoes or clothing, such as wearing low-heeled shoes
    • Changing your daily habits, such as planning your day so that you won't be walking in the dark
    • Learning how to use a cane or walker **