London Audiology Consultants

Menu

Menu
Book Appointment

Vestibular (Balance) Testing

  • Home
  • Vestibular (Balance) Testing:

What We Do

Vestibular (Balance) Testing:

If you experience vertigo, dizziness, or unsteadiness, the cause often lies in your vestibular system—the balance organs in your inner ear. Our clinic offers comprehensive and timely diagnostic testing with a personal touch to help you find answers and get back on your feet.

Why is Vestibular Testing Important?

Dizziness and imbalance can be disruptive and even frightening. Our specialized testing is the first crucial step toward effective treatment.
  • Accurate Diagnosis: We use research-backed methods to objectively measure the function of your inner ear balance system, helping to give direction towards what may be the cause of your symptoms (e.g., BPPV, Meniere's disease, Vestibular Neuritis, or central issues).
  • Targeted Treatment: Testing allows us to create a personalized treatment plan, such as repositioning maneuvers (like the Epley maneuver for BPPV) or at home exercises to improve balance and stability.
  • Improve Quality of Life: By identifying and addressing the problem, we can help reduce your risk of falls, decrease your dizziness symptoms, and restore your confidence and independence in daily activities.

The Critical Role of the Vestibular System

Your balance is a complex function managed by three primary systems:
  • Vision: What you see.
  • Somatosensory: Input from your joints and muscles (proprioception).
  • Vestibular System (Inner Ear) : The specialized organs in your inner ear that sense head position and movement relative to gravity.

When the vestibular system—located in the inner ear—is damaged, malfunctioning, or sending confusing signals, it can lead to symptoms like vertigo (the sensation of spinning), lightheadedness, disequilibrium (unsteadiness), and a feeling of floating or tilting. Our testing focuses specifically on assessing the health and functionality of this crucial inner ear component.

The Dizziness Connection: What Happens When It Malfunctions?

When the delicate parts of your vestibular system are damaged or sending mixed signals, the result is often dizziness or vertigo. This happens because the sensory information your brain receives doesn’t match the information coming from your eyes or body. This sensory mismatch can cause:
  • Vertigo: The sudden, terrifying sensation that you or the room is spinning or moving. This is often linked to Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), where the "ear rocks" fall into the wrong canal.
  • Unsteadiness: Feeling wobbly, off-balance, or like you're staggering, especially in the dark or on uneven ground.
  • Lightheadedness: A vague, "woozy" feeling, sometimes signaling a vestibular problem or other medical issue.
  • Blurred Vision with Head Movement (Gaze Instability): Trouble keeping your focus when you quickly turn your head, due to a problem with the reflex that keeps your vision steady.

Don't Ignore Your Balance Symptoms

If you frequently experience dizziness, unsteadiness, or vertigo, it is important to seek a diagnosis. Untreated balance disorders can significantly impact your life:
  • Increased Fall Risk: Balance problems are a leading cause of falls, especially in older adults, risking serious injury.
  • Avoidance and Anxiety: Many people restrict their activities, avoiding driving, crowded stores, or even going for walks, which leads to isolation and reduced quality of life.
  • Misdiagnosis: Symptoms can sometimes be mistakenly attributed to general anxiety or aging when a treatable physical issue exists in the inner ear.

Taking the Next Step to Stability

Dizziness and imbalance can be treatable, but the journey begins with an accurate diagnosis. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms, don’t wait. We are committed to helping you find the root cause of your dizziness! Our compassionate team is here to guide you through the testing process, provide clear answers, and connect you with the appropriate professionals for rehabilitation.

Request an Appointment

We will be happy to find a day and time for you to consult with one of our audiologists. Please call us immediately at 519-435-1899 if you are experiencing sudden hearing loss.

    Child's name: