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The Balance Testing Process at Hearing & Balance Solutions
Many people think dizziness and balance problems are just something they have to live with, especially as they get older. But that's not true - these issues can often be diagnosed and treated effectively. At our Charlotte office, we offer comprehensive balance testing to help identify what's causing your symptoms and determine the best path forward.
Why Balance Testing Matters
Balance problems are far more common than most people realize. Research from Johns Hopkins shows that about one in three people over 40 have some form of vestibular disorder, and that number goes up to half of those over 60. When you're dealing with balance issues, even simple daily activities can become challenging and concerning.
You might benefit from balance testing if you experience:
- Regular bouts of dizziness
- A spinning sensation (vertigo)
- Feeling unsteady when walking
- Falls without obvious causes
- Trouble walking in darker conditions
- Problems judging distances
- Motion sickness that's gotten worse
- Changes in how clearly you can see things
Our Testing Approach
We use two main types of tests to get to the root of balance problems:
Videonystagmography (VNG) Testing
Think of VNG as a way to see how well your inner ear is working with your brain to keep you balanced. You wear special goggles with tiny cameras that track your eye movements while we put you through different positions. This helps us spot problems with your inner ear, nervous system, or the connection between them.
Topple Diagnostic Testing
This newer technology gives us detailed measurements of how well you can keep your balance in different situations. It's particularly good at:
- Showing us exactly where you might have balance weaknesses
- Letting us track how you improve with treatment
- Helping prevent future falls by identifying risks early
What Your Visit Will Look Like
Before Your Test
To get the most accurate results, we recommend:
- Skipping your morning coffee (and other caffeine) the day before
- Coming with clean eyes - no eye makeup if you're having VNG testing
- Wearing comfortable clothes and flat shoes
- Making a list of your medications to bring with you
- Having someone available to drive you home, since some tests might make you temporarily dizzy
During Your Visit
First Conversation
We start by sitting down together to talk about what you've been experiencing. We'll want to hear about your symptoms, when they started, what makes them better or worse, and how they're affecting your daily life.
Quick Physical Check
We'll examine your ears and eyes and do some basic balance checks. We might also check your blood pressure both sitting and standing, since sometimes drops in blood pressure can cause dizziness.
The Main Tests
We'll guide you through several different evaluations:
- Standing Balance Tests
- Movement Tests
- Position Tests
If needed, we'll do the VNG testing with the special goggles. The whole process usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes. While some parts might briefly make you dizzy, most people handle the testing just fine.
Understanding Test Results and Treatment Options
After completing your balance testing, our audiologists analyze the detailed data from both the VNG and Topple diagnostic tests. This information helps create a clear picture of your balance system's functioning. We look at:
- How your eyes move in response to head position changes
- Your ability to maintain stability on different surfaces
- The way your balance system responds to motion
- The strength of connection between your visual and vestibular systems
Common Balance Conditions We Diagnose and Treat
Through our comprehensive balance testing, we frequently diagnose and treat several common vestibular conditions:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals in your inner ear move into the wrong position. This creates brief but intense episodes of dizziness when you move your head in certain ways. The good news is that BPPV often responds well to specific head positioning maneuvers performed in our office.
Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis
These conditions involve inflammation of the inner ear or vestibular nerve, often following a viral infection. Symptoms can include severe dizziness, nausea, and balance problems. Early diagnosis through our testing helps us start appropriate treatment quickly.
Age-Related Balance Changes
As we age, our balance system naturally changes. However, this doesn't mean you have to accept poor balance as inevitable. Our testing can identify specific areas of weakness, allowing us to develop targeted exercises to help maintain your stability and independence.
Medication-Related Balance Issues
Some medications can affect your balance system. Our testing helps determine if your medications might be contributing to balance problems, allowing us to work with your healthcare providers to find better options.
Post-Concussion Balance Disorders
After a concussion or head injury, many people experience balance problems. Our testing can assess the impact on your vestibular system and guide appropriate rehabilitation strategies.
Treatment Plans We Offer
Based on your test results, we develop personalized treatment approaches that may include:
Vestibular Rehabilitation
These specialized exercises help retrain your balance system. Each exercise plan is customized to address your specific balance challenges and goals. Many patients see significant improvement within a few weeks of starting their exercise program.
Balance Retraining
For some patients, we recommend a series of sessions focused on improving stability and confidence during daily activities. This might include practicing specific movements that trigger symptoms in a controlled, safe environment.
Lifestyle Modifications
Sometimes small changes in daily habits can make a big difference in managing balance issues. We might suggest:
- Changes to your home setup to reduce fall risks
- Modifications to your exercise routine
- Adjustments to your sleeping position
- Ways to manage activities that trigger symptoms
Working with Other Healthcare Providers
Balance problems can have multiple contributing factors. We often coordinate care with:
- Primary care physicians to address underlying medical conditions
- Physical therapists for specialized exercises
- Neurologists when neurological factors are involved
- ENT doctors for inner ear conditions
Following Up After Treatment
Recovery from balance issues often requires ongoing monitoring and adjustment of treatment plans. We schedule regular follow-up appointments to:
- Track your progress
- Adjust exercises as needed
- Address any new concerns
- Update treatment strategies based on your improvements
Insurance and Coverage
Many insurance plans cover balance testing and treatment. Our office staff can help verify your coverage and explain any out-of-pocket costs before beginning testing. We believe that understanding your financial responsibility upfront helps reduce stress and allows you to focus on your recovery.
Success Stories
Many of our patients have found significant relief through our balance testing and treatment programs. For example, one of our recent patients struggled with chronic dizziness for months before discovering it was BPPV. After proper diagnosis and treatment, she returned to her regular activities within weeks. Another patient, who had balance issues following a medication change, worked with us to identify the problem and coordinate with his doctor for an alternative prescription.
Get Your Balance Back
Balance problems can really get in the way of living your life. If you're tired of feeling unsteady or worried about falling, let's get to the bottom of what's going on. Our new South Park office is equipped with all the latest testing technology, and we'll take the time to find the right solution for you.
Give us a call at (704) 912-4422 to set up your balance testing appointment. Our team is ready to help you feel steady and confident again.
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