Dizziness and balance problems can have their root cause in the inner ear. An audiologist can carry out specific tests to establish the cause of your problems.
Why the Inner Ear Is Involved
The inner ear is also responsible for our sense of balance. Some inner ear disorders can cause vertigo and unsteadiness. These can be very distressing but the good news is that there are effective treatments for many of these disorders. The NHS has information on the causes of dizziness and the various treatments available for the different types of dizziness.
The Dix-Hallpike and VNG Tests
The Dix-Hallpike test: this involves the audiologist moving your head in specific ways and observing your eye movements. Your eyes will involuntarily move in a specific way if a particular position of your head causes your inner ear to be disturbed. This can indicate BPPV, a very common inner ear disorder that causes short, but sudden bouts of dizziness. BPPV is very treatable.
The Caloric Test
Warm and cool air or water is introduced into the ear canal one ear at a time. The amount of nystagmus produced by each temperature is measured. If one ear does not produce as much nystagmus as the other, it may indicate that the ear is underperforming.
Video Head Impulse Testing
You will be asked to look at a fixed point in front of you. The audiologist will then make a sudden small movement of your head (a head impulse) and you will be videoed to see how your eyes have moved in response to the movement. This test checks the vestibulo-ocular reflex which is the ability to keep vision stable during head movement.
Balance Platform Testing
On the platform you are asked to stand on a surface which is tilted slightly from under you or which shifts from side to side. This test is performed with your eyes open and then with your eyes closed, as well as on an unstable surface. This test gives the audiologist an idea of how well you are able to compensate for situations in which your brain has to rely on information from your other senses to keep you balanced, as it were, when your vision is giving it unreliable information.
What the Results Show
The results of your balance assessment will show whether you have a problem with your balance, and if so, what the likely cause is. This could be BPPV, Ménière’s disease, vestibular neuritis, or another condition which would need to be referred on for further investigation. More on Audiologist Cheltenham can be found at //www.imperialhearing.com/audiologist-near-me/cheltenham/.
A proper balance assessment will provide you with some real answers rather than leaving you in the dark as to the cause of your symptoms.
