Vestibular Audiology Services For Balance Disorders and Dizziness.
What is Vestibular Audiology?
Vestibular audiology is a specialized area of audiology focused on the assessment, diagnosis, and management of dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, and other balance-related concerns. The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, works closely with your eyes, muscles, and brain to help you maintain balance, clear vision during movement, and spatial orientation.
When this system is not functioning optimally, everyday activities such as walking, turning, bending over, or getting out of bed can become challenging. A vestibular audiologist helps determine whether your symptoms are related to the inner ear and works collaboratively with your healthcare team to guide appropriate treatment and management.
Vestibular Assessment and Management
Comprehensive Vestibular Bedside Assessment
Assessment using evidence-based bedside testing to ensure accurate diagnosis and management.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy
Customized exercise programs designed to reduce dizziness, improve balance, and restore normal function through gaze stabilization and habituation techniques.
BPPV Treatment & Management
Expert canalith repositioning maneuvers (Epley, Semont) to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, often providing immediate relief from positional dizziness.
What Does Vestibular Testing Entail?
At our practice, we currently offer comprehensive bedside vestibular assessments to evaluate dizziness, vertigo, and balance difficulties. These assessments are non-invasive, safe, and tailored to your individual symptoms.
Your evaluation may include:
• Comprehensive Case History: A detailed discussion about your symptoms, medical history, medications, and any factors that worsen or relieve your dizziness.
• Hearing Assessment: Because the hearing and balance organs are closely connected within the inner ear, a hearing test provides important information about the overall function of your auditory and vestibular systems.
• Oculomotor Assessment: Evaluation of your eye movements, including your ability to follow visual targets, as the balance and visual systems work closely together.
• Positional Testing: Specific head and body movements are used to determine whether changes in position trigger dizziness or abnormal eye movements, particularly when assessing for conditions such as BPPV.
• Head Impulse Testing: Rapid, gentle head movements are performed to assess the vestibulo-ocular reflex and how effectively your inner ear stabilizes your vision during movement.
• Balance and Gait Assessment: Your balance is evaluated while standing, walking, and performing various functional tasks to assess stability and fall risk.
• Neurological Screening: Basic screening of cranial nerves and other neurological functions may be performed when indicated.
These assessments help us determine whether your symptoms are related to a vestibular disorder and guide the most appropriate management plan for your needs.
Common Vestibular Disorders
Vestibular disorders can affect individuals of all ages and may present with dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, motion sensitivity, or visual disturbances. Some of the most common conditions include:
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
• Vestibular Neuritis
• Labyrinthitis
• Ménière's Disease
• Vestibular Migraine
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)
• Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction
Not all dizziness originates from the inner ear, which is why a comprehensive assessment is essential for accurate diagnosis.
Our Vestibular Management
Our goal is to help you understand your symptoms, identify the underlying cause, and develop an individualized treatment plan that improves your quality of life.
Depending on your assessment findings, management may include:
• Diagnostic counselling and explanation of your condition
• Canalith repositioning manoeuvres for BPPV
• Vestibular rehabilitation exercises
• Balance retraining and fall prevention strategies
• Education on symptom management and lifestyle modifications
• Referral to other healthcare professionals when necessary
We work closely with referring physicians, physiotherapists, and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive, patient-centred care. Our aim is to help you regain confidence, improve your balance, and safely return to your daily activities.
Ready to Book a Vestibular Assessment?
Don't let dizziness and balance problems control your life. Our experienced vestibular audiologists are here to help you find relief and restore your confidence.