If you are experiencing balance issues, dizziness or vertigo, HearSay has a range of diagnostic testing that can determine the cause and provide intervention strategies.

Vestibular testing involves a series of tests that are administered when you are experiencing dizziness, vertigo or sensations of feeling off-balance. They are used to determine whether symptoms of dizziness are being caused by the balance system of the inner ear. Though the balance system is part of the inner ear, it is not related to the same parts of the inner ear that are used for hearing. Difficulties with balance, dizziness and vertigo can be debilitating and are related to the vestibular system which gives us our sense of location in space. The balance system is attributed to what are called the ‘semicircular canals’ in the inner ear. Issues with balance are often separate and distinct from hearing loss. However, balance issues affect every day performance, and can cause feelings of disorientation with more severe reactions resulting in dangerous falls which could cause serious bodily injury.

Symptoms of dizziness, vertigo and imbalance need to be addressed in order to find the root cause of these responses. Common causes include inner ear problems, use of various medications, infections, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). These disorders can occur at any age but become more common as part of the aging process.

If you are experiencing vertigo to the degree that you cannot stand or walk, or you are vomiting frequently and cannot keep food down you should consult with your medical practitioner. Vestibular testing will likely be recommended and results can be shared with any specialists (i.e., neurologist, Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) doctors).

In the case of vestibular distress, early diagnosis is key to formulating a treatment plan immediately to relieve debilitating symptoms that often leave clients bedridden.