Vestibular disorders affect the balance system inside your inner ear and can cause dizziness, vertigo, unsteadiness and difficulty moving through daily life comfortably. According to research published in the Journal of Vestibular Research, about 35% of U.S. adults age 40 and older show evidence of balance dysfunction, with rates increasing significantly with age.1
What Are Vestibular Disorders?
Your vestibular system is located in the inner ear. It works alongside your eyes and brain to help you understand your position in space, keep your vision steady while moving and maintain balance. When something disrupts this system, symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo or imbalance can develop.
Several common vestibular disorders include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief episodes of vertigo triggered by changes in head position.
- Ménière’s Disease: A condition that may cause vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
- Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve that often causes sudden, intense dizziness or vertigo.
- Labyrinthitis: An inner ear infection or inflammation that can affect both balance and hearing.
Knowing the early signs of a vestibular disorder will help you identify and manage the disorder before it severely impacts your life.
Common Early Signs Of A Vestibular Disorder
The symptoms can be subtle at first. You might notice a brief dizzy spell when standing up or rolling over in bed, or perhaps you need to grip your cart a little tighter at Kaune’s Neighborhood Market. Some people describe it as feeling “off balance” rather than truly dizzy.
Common warning signs include:
- Frequent dizziness or vertigo
- Feeling unsteady when walking
- Difficulty maintaining balance in the dark
- Motion sensitivity while driving or riding in a vehicle
- Nausea associated with movement
- Blurred vision during head movement
- Increased risk of falls
Because symptoms can come and go, many people ignore them for months before seeking help.
When Should I Seek Help from a Balance Specialist?
Occasional dizziness can happen for many reasons. Persistent, recurring or worsening symptoms deserve professional attention. If balance issues are affecting your quality of life, an evaluation can help determine whether the inner ear is contributing to your symptoms.
What Happens During A Balance Disorder Evaluation?
Testing may include a detailed discussion of your symptoms, balance assessments and specialized vestibular testing depending on your needs.
Taking The Next Step
Living with unexplained dizziness or balance difficulties can be frustrating. Sometimes people adapt little by little without realizing how much their symptoms are affecting everyday activities.
Recognizing the early signs of a vestibular disorder is often the first step toward finding answers. If you’ve experienced vertigo, persistent dizziness or unusual motion sensitivity, our team at Southwestern Hearing & Balance can help you better understand the culprit behind your symptoms. Contact us today to schedule your balance assessment.
Sources
1 Agrawal, Y., Ward, B. K., & Minor, L. B. (2013). Vestibular dysfunction: prevalence, impact and need for targeted treatment. Journal of vestibular research : equilibrium & orientation, 23(3), 113–117. https://doi.org/10.3233/VES-130498