The Role of Audiologists in Diagnosing & Treating Balance Disorders

Balance problems can be scary - just ask anyone who's experienced that sudden spinning sensation while getting out of bed or felt unsteady walking down the street. Many people don't know that audiologists play a big part in helping solve these problems.

Think of your balance system like a team sport. Your inner ear, eyes, and muscles all work together to keep you steady. When one player isn't performing well, the whole team struggles. That's where audiologists come in - they're like coaches who figure out which part of your balance team needs help.

Take Sarah, one of our patients who started having dizzy spells every time she rolled over in bed. She thought she was developing a serious illness, but it turned out she had BPPV - basically, some tiny crystals in her inner ear had wandered into the wrong spot. With a few careful head movements guided by her audiologist, the problem was fixed in one session.

Not all balance issues are that simple to solve, though. Some people need a combination of treatments, like specialized exercises to retrain their balance system or changes to their home setup to prevent falls. The good news? Most balance problems can get better with the right help.

One thing that often surprises people is how balance issues can affect their whole life. It's not just about feeling dizzy - it can make you anxious about going out, affect your sleep, and impact your work. That's why audiologists don't just treat the physical symptoms; they help you cope with all these challenges.

If you're having trouble with your balance, don't brush it off as "just getting older" or "being clumsy." These problems rarely fix themselves, and waiting too long can make them harder to treat. Getting help early can make a big difference in how quickly you recover.

Understanding the Balance System

Your ability to stay balanced comes from three main body systems working together. Your inner ear houses the vestibular system - a complex structure responsible for sensing head movements and position. Your eyes provide visual input about your surroundings, and your muscles and joints send signals about your body's position. When these systems don't communicate properly, balance problems can occur.

Balance problems can turn everyday activities into challenging tasks. When you find yourself unsteady on your feet or experiencing dizziness, an audiologist might not be the first healthcare provider you think of consulting. But audiologists play a central role in diagnosing and treating balance disorders, working alongside other medical professionals to help patients regain their stability and confidence.

Common Balance Disorders

Many people experience balance issues throughout their lives. Some of the most frequent conditions we see include:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition happens when tiny calcium particles in your inner ear move into the wrong place. BPPV causes brief but intense episodes of dizziness, often triggered by specific head movements.

Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis: These inner ear infections can cause severe dizziness and balance problems. They typically result from viral infections that inflame the nerves critical for balance.

Meniere's Disease: This chronic condition affects the inner ear fluid, leading to episodes of vertigo along with fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.

The Impact on Daily Life

Living with balance disorders affects more than just physical stability. Many patients experience:

• Reduced confidence in movement
• Social isolation from fear of falling
• Anxiety about public spaces
• Work-related challenges
• Sleep disruption

Your audiologist understands these broader impacts and can help you develop coping strategies while working toward improvement.

Signs You Should See an Audiologist

Many patients wait too long before seeking help for balance problems. Watch for these signs:

• Feeling unsteady when walking or standing
• A sensation of spinning or floating
• Blurred vision during movement
• Changes in heart rate or blood pressure with position changes
• Anxiety about falling
• Difficulty walking in dark environments

The Diagnostic Process

When you visit an audiologist for balance concerns, they'll conduct a thorough evaluation. This process starts with understanding your symptoms and medical history. Your audiologist will want to know:

• When your symptoms started
• What makes them better or worse
• Any medications you're taking
• Your general health conditions
• Previous falls or near-falls
• How these symptoms affect your daily life

Next comes the physical examination. Your audiologist will perform several tests to assess your balance system:

Visual Examination: Using specialized equipment, they'll check how your eyes track moving objects and respond to head position changes.

Balance Testing: You might be asked to perform various standing and walking tasks while your stability is monitored.

Inner Ear Assessment: Special tests can determine how well your vestibular system functions and identify which part might be causing problems.

Treatment Options

Once your audiologist understands what's causing your balance problems, they'll develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Treatment approaches might include:

Vestibular Rehabilitation: These specialized exercises help retrain your balance system. They can include:

• Gaze stabilization exercises
• Balance retraining activities
• Walking exercises
• Position change training

Canalith Repositioning: For BPPV, this series of head movements helps move displaced calcium particles back to their proper position.

Lifestyle Modifications: Your audiologist might recommend changes to help manage your symptoms:

• Regular exercise to improve overall stability
• Home modifications to prevent falls
• Vision checks to optimize balance cues
• Medication adjustments (in consultation with your doctor)

Working with Other Healthcare Providers

Balance disorders often require a team approach. Your audiologist will coordinate with:

• Primary care physicians
• Ear, nose, and throat doctors
• Physical therapists
• Neurologists
• Vision specialists

This collaboration ensures you receive comprehensive care addressing all aspects of your balance disorder.

Prevention and Long-term Management

Managing balance disorders doesn't stop with initial treatment. Your audiologist will work with you to develop strategies for preventing future problems:

Home Safety: Making your living space safer reduces fall risks:

• Remove trip hazards
• Improve lighting
• Install handrails where needed
• Use non-slip mats in bathrooms

Exercise Programs: Staying physically active helps maintain good balance. Your audiologist might recommend:

• Tai Chi or yoga for balance improvement
• Strength training exercises
• Walking programs
• Specific exercises to do at home

Regular Monitoring: Follow-up appointments help track your progress and catch any new problems early.

Recovery Expectations

Every person's recovery from balance disorders differs. Some patients see improvement within weeks, while others need longer-term management. Your audiologist will help set realistic expectations and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Looking Forward

Research continues to advance our understanding of balance disorders and treatment options. New technologies and treatment approaches emerge regularly, offering hope for better outcomes. Your audiologist stays current with these developments to provide you with the most effective care options.

Taking the First Step

If you're experiencing balance problems, don't wait for them to worsen. Balance disorders rarely improve on their own, and early intervention often leads to better outcomes. Schedule an appointment with an audiologist who can evaluate your symptoms and start you on the path to better balance.

At Victory Hearing & Balance, our vestibular testing program helps identify the root causes of dizziness and balance problems. Dr. Jill Davis brings years of specialized experience in balance disorders, pairing advanced diagnostic tools with a patient-centered approach.

Our testing includes video head impulse testing (vHIT), videonystagmography (VNG), and rotary chair testing. This helps us get a clear picture of how your balance system functions, which supports an accurate diagnosis.

Working with your doctor, we'll use your test results to build a treatment plan. This might involve specific head movements, balance exercises, or other therapies. For simple cases like BPPV (where small crystals in your ear cause dizziness), we can often provide relief in one or two visits.

Our team walks you through each step of testing and treatment. We aim to reduce anxiety around balance testing by explaining what's happening and answering your questions along the way.

Remember, you're not alone in dealing with balance problems. Many people face similar challenges, and professional help is available. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most patients can significantly improve their balance and return to their regular activities with confidence.

Want to learn more? Call us at (512) 443-3500.