Have you ever felt dizzy, unsteady, or like the room is spinning?
These symptoms, often related to balance issues, can disrupt your daily life and increase the risk of falls. At the heart of these challenges lies the vestibular system, a complex network in your inner ear that helps maintain balance and spatial orientation. When something goes wrong with this system, it can lead to a variety of conditions that require careful diagnosis and treatment.
What Is Vestibular Testing?
Vestibular testing is a series of specialized procedures used to evaluate the function of your balance system. If you’re experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance, these tests can help pinpoint the root cause. At Quincy Audiology, we use advanced technology to assess how your vestibular system interacts with your vision, hearing, and body movements.
Common Vestibular Tests Include:
- Videonystagmography (VNG):
– Tracks eye movements to identify balance disorders.
– Can reveal inner ear problems or neurological conditions.
- Rotary Chair Testing:
– Evaluates how your inner ear responds to motion.
– Often used for more detailed diagnostics.
- Posturography:
– Assesses your body’s ability to maintain balance under various conditions.
– Helps identify specific areas of weakness.
- Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP):
– Tests the inner ear’s response to sound stimuli.
– Useful for diagnosing conditions like superior canal dehiscence.
- Electrocochleography (ECoG):
– Measures electrical activity in the inner ear.
– Helps diagnose conditions like Meniere’s disease.
Understanding Vestibular Diagnoses
After testing, your audiologist will analyze the results to determine the cause of your symptoms. Some common vestibular diagnoses include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):
- Caused by displaced crystals in the inner ear.
- Often treated with simple repositioning maneuvers.
- Vestibular Neuritis:
- An infection of the vestibular nerve causing sudden dizziness.
- Usually resolves with treatment and therapy.
- Meniere’s Disease:
- Leads to episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears.
- Managed with medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery.
- Labyrinthitis:
- Inflammation of the inner ear, often linked to infection.
- Causes dizziness and temporary hearing loss.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Vestibular testing is non-invasive and typically takes one to two hours. While some tests might feel unusual—like lying in different positions or tracking moving lights—they are designed to gather detailed information about your balance system. Afterward, your audiologist will explain the findings and work with you to develop a tailored treatment plan.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Balance disorders can be an inconvenience and significantly impact your quality of life. Left untreated, they may lead to frequent falls, anxiety, and reduced independence. Early diagnosis through vestibular testing allows for targeted treatment, whether that involves physical therapy, medication, or other interventions.
Take Control of Your Balance
If you’re struggling with dizziness or balance issues, don’t wait. At Quincy Audiology, we specialize in identifying and treating vestibular conditions to help you regain control and confidence. Our experienced team will guide you every step of the way, from testing to treatment.
📞 Call us today at 217.223.0204 or visit Quincy Audiology to schedule your consultation. Let’s work together to restore your balance and improve your quality of life!
