At Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic, we understand that your hearing health isn’t just about how well you can hear—it also affects your balance and overall well-being. If you’re experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or trouble maintaining your balance, it may be linked to your vestibular system, which plays a critical role in your body’s sense of balance. One of the most effective ways to evaluate this system is through vestibular testing.
What Is Vestibular Testing?
Vestibular testing is a series of diagnostic procedures used to assess the function of the inner ear, specifically the vestibular system. This system, which includes structures in the inner ear, helps control balance and spatial orientation. The vestibular system works in tandem with your eyes and brain to keep you stable and aware of your surroundings. When it becomes compromised, it can lead to balance issues, dizziness, vertigo, and even nausea.
Vestibular testing is designed to determine whether the balance-related symptoms are caused by issues in the vestibular system or by other underlying health conditions. The tests are non-invasive and provide valuable insights into the health of your inner ear and balance system.
How Vestibular Testing Can Help
If you’re experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or a loss of balance, vestibular testing can help identify the root cause of these symptoms. By pinpointing the exact area of dysfunction in the vestibular system, the tests allow healthcare professionals to develop an accurate treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Some common reasons people undergo vestibular testing include:
- Dizziness: A general sense of lightheadedness or spinning.
- Vertigo: A specific type of dizziness where you feel as if you or your surroundings are moving, often accompanied by nausea.
- Unexplained Falls: Difficulty maintaining balance, which may increase the risk of falling.
- Visual Disturbances: Problems with vision, such as double vision or trouble focusing, which are related to balance disorders.
By undergoing vestibular testing, you can get a clearer understanding of what is causing your balance issues and take the first step toward effective treatment.
How Vestibular Testing Relates to Hearing Loss
Although hearing loss is typically associated with difficulty hearing, it can also impact your balance. The vestibular system, which helps with balance, is located in the inner ear, right next to the cochlea, the part responsible for hearing. Because these systems are so closely connected, issues in one can often affect the other.
For example, individuals with sensorineural hearing loss—the most common type of permanent hearing loss—may also experience vestibular dysfunction due to damage to the inner ear’s structures. The vestibular system, like the cochlea, can be impacted by the same underlying causes of hearing loss, such as aging, ear infections, head trauma, or certain medical conditions.
Symptoms of balance problems related to hearing loss can include:
- Feeling lightheaded or off-balance
- Trouble walking or staying upright
- A spinning sensation (vertigo)
- Sensitivity to sudden head movements
In cases like these, vestibular testing can help determine whether your balance issues are related to hearing loss and whether they require treatment or further evaluation.
What to Expect During Vestibular Testing
At Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic, our audiologists and specialists will guide you through the vestibular testing process. The tests are typically painless and may involve:
- Electronystagmography (ENG) or Videonystagmography (VNG): These tests measure eye movements in response to changes in head position, which can help detect vestibular system abnormalities.
- Rotary Chair Testing: This test involves sitting in a chair that moves in a controlled way to evaluate your balance and the vestibular system’s response.
The results from these tests will help our specialists understand the causes of your balance issues and work with you to develop a treatment plan. This might involve physical therapy, medications, or referral to a specialist for further evaluation.
Why Balance and Vestibular Testing Matters
Your balance is crucial for performing everyday activities, from walking to climbing stairs. If you’re experiencing dizziness, balance problems, or vertigo, it’s important to seek professional evaluation. Vestibular testing provides valuable information that can help you maintain your independence and quality of life.
Even if you’re not experiencing dizziness or balance issues, regular checkups for hearing and vestibular health can help catch problems early, particularly if you have a history of hearing loss or are experiencing changes in your hearing.
Get the Help You Need
If you’re experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems, don’t wait to seek help. Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic offers comprehensive vestibular testing to assess and address any issues related to your inner ear and balance system. Our specialists are here to help you regain stability and confidence in your daily life.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about how vestibular testing can improve your hearing and balance health.