Vestibular Disorders

How does my ear affect my balance?

 The Organ for Balance, or the vestibular system, lies within the inner ear

 It consists of three fluid-filled loops call the semicircular canals

 The fluid within the canals changes in response to head motion

 Our vestibular system, eyes and proprioceptive system help us move our bodies within

space and maintain our balance

Vestibular conditions can be caused by:

 Changes in medication

 Poor circulation of the ear

 Movement of “ear crystals” within the semicircular canals

 Infections

 Debris in the semicircular canals

 Traumatic brain injury

Symptoms of a vestibular disorder:

1. Falling, swaying or tilting

2. Vertigo

3. Floating feeling

4. Feeling off-balance

5. Leaning to one side

How do I test for a vestibular disorder?

An audiologist may perform a videonystagmography (VNG) to test for certain vestibular

conditions. This gives the audiologist information about how the vestibular portion of the inner

ear is functioning. The patient wears goggles to monitor eye movements. The patient will

perform several tasks, including following a moving target on a screen, moving their head and

body in various positions, and having warm and cool air put into the ear canal. During these

tasks, the audiologist monitors eye movements and attempts to simulate dizziness to determine

the potential source of symptoms.

What happens next?

Depending on the results of the testing, an audiologist may refer for vestibular therapy.

Sometimes, the audiologist may refer to a specialist, such as an Ear, Nose and Throat physician

or a neurologist to determine if additional testing is warranted. In certain cases, home exercises

may be recommended to alleviate dizziness symptoms.