Balance & Dizziness


Potomac River

The sensation of Dizziness, whether that is a spinning of your world, lightheaded feeling, imbalance, or a combination of these symptoms, constitutes a significant public health problem in the United States and around the world. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), dizziness is the number one complaint of persons age 70 and older, the number three complaint for all other age groups, and is only preceded by backache and headache.

What are the symptoms of dizziness?

Individuals who have vestibular problems might feel unsteady while walking and can experience any of the following issues:

  • Unsteadiness or loss of balance
  • Vertigo (a spinning sensation)

Symptoms that may occur secondary to dizziness may include:

  • Faintness
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Disorientation/confusion
  • Heart palpitations/feeling of panic
  • Clammy and pale skin
  • Falls

The Doctors of Audiology at Freedom Hearing Center are uniquely qualified to evaluate, rehabilitate, and provide non-medical treatment of balance related issues with the use of clinical beside exams, state-of-the-art BalanceBack™ equipment, and 3D video goggles. The role of the Audiologist is to:

  • Assess the Hearing and Vestibular System
  • Establish candidacy for Balance Therapy (if applicable)
  • Provide essential diagnostic test results to specialists for those patients who require additional medical expertise

If you have concerns about balance or dizziness or are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, we highly recommend that you make an appointment with your primary care physician to rule out any underlying causes that require immediate medical attention. After your visit to your primary care doctor, schedule an appointment with one of our professionals to help identify the sensory conflict or other factors contributing to the problem and devise a plan for treatment.

Please Note:

  • Our Waldorf location is our Hearing and Balance Center, and all appointments for balance and dizziness concerns will be scheduled in this location.
  • Vestibular testing is time consuming and your appointment will last approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours.
  • You must have a driver to escort you to and from this appointment as dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, and vertigo have been reported by some patients as lingering effects of the vestibular testing. Without a driver you will not be able to complete testing.
  • Please be sure to complete the Dizziness Handicap Inventory prior to your visit.
Image
Image
Image
Image

Enhance your hearing by visiting us today