Dizziness, Balance, and Falls: When should I see an Audiologist?

Did you know the ear is not just responsible for hearing? The inner ear houses both the organ of hearing (the cochlea) and the organs of balance (the vestibular system). The vestibular system helps our body know where we are in our environment from fluid moving through tubes in our ears called the semicircular canals. When the vestibular system is compromised an individual might experience dizziness due to the vestibular system sending mixed or inappropriate signals to the brain. It is important to note that dizziness is a symptom not a diagnosis. Dizziness is typically a sign that something else in the body is going on; to treat dizziness it is important to find the root cause. An audiologist can be a resource to help diagnose causes of dizziness. A vestibular audiologist will perform tests specific to the inner ear. Some of these tests might include moving the head into certain positions and observing eye movement and/or stimulating the inner ear with differing temperatures during water or air irrigation. Through the completion of multiple tests an audiologist can help pinpoint or rule out the inner ear’s role in a patient’s dizziness. Not all dizziness is due to inner ear issues; audiologists also work closely with Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) doctors and primary care physicians. Collaboration helps your medical team find you answers.

Some common causes of dizziness include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
• Meniere’s Disease
• High blood pressure or changes in blood pressure
• Dehydration
• Certain medications

If you are experiencing dizziness, try to pay attention to how long the dizziness lasts. Ask yourself these questions:

• Is the dizziness there for just a few seconds, minutes, or does it last the entire day?
• How often does the dizziness happen?
• Are you dizzy every time you turn your head?
• Is the dizziness triggered by bending over?

Paying attention to these things and reporting them to your doctors can help you be referred to the correct professional for help. If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with dizziness, schedule an appointment with our Audiologist today.

By: Dr. Hailey Long, Audiologist