Feeling Off-Balance?
Although the world may feel like it is spinning out of control, that might not be why you are dizzy. If you are feeling dizzy, unsteady or like the room is spinning, a vestibular evaluation could be just what you need. A vestibular evaluation includes comprehensive testing of the complex inner ear and brain system…
Q and A with Molly Cheshire Audiology 4th Year Resident
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your educational background? I was born and raised in Gig Harbor, Washington. I lived there until I came up to Seattle for my undergraduate work at UW. After graduating, I moved to Tempe, Arizona to begin my graduate work at Arizona State University. I enjoyed the…
Traveling With Vestibular Disorders
To those who suffer from vestibular disorders, the idea of traveling can be disconcerting to say the least. From ear pain and pressure to nausea, dizziness and disorientation, the symptoms of vestibular disease can be worsened when someone is subjected to planes, trains and automobiles. If you are particularly sensitive to travel, the Vestibular Disorders…
Exercises to Enhance Balance
Loss of balance is a common effect of some medical conditions, and the natural process of aging. The good news is that there are exercises you can do to increase your body’s ability to balance. Balance exercises are specific activities that help build muscle strength in your legs as well as improve the functionality of your vestibular…
How does the Vestibular System work?
In order to keep the feeling of balance, our vestibular system works with other sensorimotor systems in the body, such as our visual system (eyes) and skeletal system (bones and joints). The vestibular system also helps us maintain a steady focus on objects even though the position of our body changes. This is accomplished by…
Common Balance Problems
Balance disorders can present themselves in a variety of different ways. Below are a few signs and symptoms of balance disorders: Dizziness symptoms includes: Lightheadedness Movement sensations Spinning Trouble focusing on reading Difficulties maintaining balance Increased fatigue Acute or episodic vertigo Blurred vision with head movement Difficulty walking in the dark Other problems that may…
Diagnosis of Balance Disorders
Did you know that balance disorders are typically under diagnosed and under treated? An estimated 35% of U.S. adults aged 40 years and older experience vestibular dysfunction at some point in their lives…that’s approximately 69 million Americans! It has been estimated that most patients with vestibular problems visit 4-5 doctors before receiving an accurate diagnosis,…
Balance Awareness Week
Today marks the first day of the 16th annual Balance Awareness Week (September 16-22, 2012). The goal of the week is to “defeat dizziness” by helping people recognize the symptoms of a vestibular disorder, and urging them t seek help from a professional vestibular specialist. Additionally we hope to help educate friends and family members…
Criss-Cross Applesauce: “W”-sitting Posture
You may have heard your child’s SLP repeatedly tell your child “Criss-Cross Applesauce”. But why? What was likely happening was that your child was using a “W” sitting posture. This sitting position is when a child’s bottom is planted between the feet. When you look at the child’s legs, they form a “W”. Many children…
Hearing Loss and Falls
In a recent research study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine they found that older adults with mild hearing loss have a significantly higher risk of falls than those with normal hearing. The study used data on 2,017 people ages 40-69 and tracked their hearing and balance from 2001-2004. The data showed that 14%…