Balance Disorder | Hearing Haven (806) 726-7813

At The Hearing Haven in Amarillo, Texas, we understand that balance disorders can significantly impact your daily life. Our clinic specializes in diagnosing and treating balance issues, providing personalized care to help you regain stability and confidence.

What Is a Balance Disorder?

A balance disorder is a condition that makes you feel dizzy or unsteady. You might feel like you're moving, spinning, or floating, even when you're standing still or lying down. This can make walking or even standing difficult. Balance disorders can affect people of all ages, but they're more common as we get older.

How Does Balance Work?

Our sense of balance is controlled by a complex system involving the inner ear, eyes, muscles, joints, and the brain. The inner ear, also known as the vestibular system, plays a key role by sending signals to the brain about head movement and position. Our eyes help by sending visual information, and our muscles and joints provide feedback about body movements. The brain processes all this information to help us maintain our balance.

Common Symptoms of Balance Disorders

Balance disorders can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Dizziness or vertigo: A spinning sensation, as if you or the room are moving.
• Falling or feeling as if you're going to fall: A sense of unsteadiness that can lead to actual falls.
• Staggering when walking: Difficulty walking in a straight line or feeling unsteady on your feet.
• Lightheadedness, faintness, or a floating sensation: Feeling as if you're about to pass out or as if you're floating.
• Blurred vision: Difficulty focusing or seeing clearly, especially when moving.
• Confusion or disorientation: Feeling mentally foggy or unsure of your surroundings.

These symptoms can come and go or be constant, and they can range from mild to severe. It's important to note that experiencing these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean you have a balance disorder, but it's a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider if you do.

Causes of Balance Disorders

There are many possible causes of balance disorders, including:

• Inner ear problems: Conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), labyrinthitis, and Meniere's disease affect the inner ear and can lead to balance issues.
• Head injuries: Trauma to the head can damage the inner ear or brain areas involved in balance.
• Medications: Some drugs can cause dizziness or balance problems as side effects.
• Low blood pressure: A sudden drop in blood pressure can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
• Neurological conditions: Disorders like Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis can affect balance.
• Aging: As we age, natural changes in the body can lead to balance problems.

Sometimes, balance disorders can result from a combination of factors. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment.

Types of Balance Disorders

There are several types of balance disorders, each with its own causes and symptoms:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV is one of the most common balance disorders. It occurs when tiny calcium particles in the inner ear become dislodged and move into areas they shouldn't be. This can cause brief episodes of dizziness, especially with changes in head position.

Meniere's Disease

This disorder involves a buildup of fluid in the inner ear, leading to episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a feeling of fullness in the ear. The exact cause of Meniere's disease is unknown.

Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis

These are inflammatory disorders, usually caused by a viral infection, that affect the inner ear or the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain. Symptoms can include sudden, severe dizziness, balance issues, and sometimes hearing loss.

Vestibular Migraine

Some people experience dizziness or vertigo as a symptom of migraines. This is known as a vestibular migraine and can occur with or without a headache.

Diagnosing Balance Disorders

If you're experiencing symptoms of a balance disorder, it's important to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. They may perform a variety of tests, including:

• Hearing tests: To check for hearing loss or inner ear problems.
• Balance tests: Such as videonystagmography (VNG) or electronystagmography (ENG), which measure eye movements to assess balance function.
• Imaging tests: Like MRI or CT scans, to look for structural problems in the brain or inner ear.
• Blood tests: To check for infections or other medical conditions that could be affecting your balance.

Your provider will also take a detailed medical history and ask about your symptoms to help determine the cause of your balance issues.

Comprehensive Evaluations

At The Hearing Haven we begin with thorough assessments to identify the root cause of your balance problems. Our evaluations include advanced diagnostic tests to assess your inner ear function, which plays a crucial role in maintaining balance.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Based on your evaluation results, we develop customized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. Our goal is to address the underlying causes of your balance disorder effectively.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

For many balance disorders, vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is an effective treatment. VRT involves specific exercises designed to improve your balance system's function, reducing dizziness and enhancing stability.

Hearing Aid Solutions

If your balance issues are related to hearing loss, we offer state-of-the-art hearing aids that can improve your hearing and contribute to better balance. Proper hearing aid use has been linked to a decrease in fall risk and improvements in physical health.

Ongoing Support and Care

At The Hearing Haven in Amarillo, we treat our patients like family. Founder Emily Braun emphasizes, "I want my customers to know I care, and that I will always have their best interest in mind. Here, I treat you like my family."

Balance disorders can make you feel unsteady, dizzy, or like you're moving when you're not. These issues can affect daily activities and increase the risk of falls. Understanding balance disorders is the first step toward managing them effectively. We are committed to providing continuous support throughout your treatment journey, ensuring you receive the best possible care. If you're experiencing balance issues, don't hesitate to reach out to The Hearing Haven. Our dedicated team is here to help you achieve better balance and improve your quality of life. 

By identifying the exact cause of hearing difficulties, the professionals at The Hearing Haven in Amarillo, Texas can create a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root of the problem.

Give us a call today.

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