Dizziness is one of the most common reasons a person visits the doctor. “Dizziness” can mean different things to different people- it can be used to describe feelings of faintness, lightheadedness, unsteadiness, imbalance, or an intense sensation of spinning (vertigo).
Dizziness and balance issues can stem from the inner ear, or other ear problems. The part of the ear that assists in balance is called the vestibular system. If your doctor has ruled out other medical conditions as the cause for your dizziness, you may be referred to an audiologist for vestibular testing. Vestibular testing evaluates the vestibular system, and helps an audiologist to either diagnose, or rule out, inner ear issues as the source of dizziness.
A balance disorder is a condition marked by the symptoms of feeling unsteady or dizzy. Even while standing, lying or sitting still, a person with a balance disorder will feel as if they are moving, spinning or floating. While walking, people may feel as if they are tipping over.
Primary symptoms include dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo), falling or feeling as if you are going to fall, lightheadedness, faintness, a floating sensation, blurred vision, confusion or disorientation. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, fear and anxiety or panic attacks.
These disorders can be caused by anything that affects the inner ear or the brain such as medications, ear infections or head injuries. The risk for balance disorders increases as people get older.
In order to determine the appropriate treatment plan for you, your audiologist will need to evaluate and diagnose your symptoms.Once determined, your audiologist will target the underlying condition in order to reduce or eliminate the symptoms. Options include:
Call DeFatta Hearing Aid Experts at (715) 930-1940 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
