At some point or another, we have all experienced brief moments of unsteadiness or imbalance. However, it is important to speak with one’s primary care physician, especially with new onset imbalance. A patient’s doctor will evaluate their symptoms and determine next steps, one of which may be a referral to an audiologist.
But what can an audiologist do? What does dizziness have to do with hearing? In short, everything! Inside your ear lies the cochlea, the hearing organ. It is responsible for sending sound information to the brain for processing. The cochlea is connected to one’s balance center, the vestibular system. The vestibular system is responsible for sending messages to your brain about how your head is moving in space. It can detect even the smallest changes in speed and direction! Audiologists are experts in hearing and balance. With a referral from a medical doctor, an audiologist performs a comprehensive balance assessment that is an important part of the diagnostic process as it can identify a plethora of balance disorders.
If you or someone you know is experiencing dizziness and imbalance, talk to your primary doctor. Gardner Audiology is proud to offer comprehensive balance assessments at our Citrus Park, Spring Hill, and Crystal River location. For more information please call (800) 277-1182 or email info@gardneraudiology.com
