Balance & Vertigo Experts In Maryland and DC
Have You Been Having Some Trouble With Your Balance, Or Feeling Overly Dizzy Lately?
As the old cliché goes, you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone, and this is particularly true when you start to experience dizziness, spinning, or rocking, which suggests there might be something wrong with your balance.
Vertigo is often the main culprit of this, as it affects over 90 million Americans at some point during their lifetime, which staggeringly equates to one in three people in the USA.
If this is the case for you and you think you might have vertigo or any other balance-related condition, then don’t worry. You’ve come to the right place to get help, as the team of audiologists here at Audiology Associates has been helping treat the good people of Maryland and DC who have experienced balance disorders for over 40 years.
We’re highly trained in conducting a series of simple, non-invasive tests known as “vestibular tests” to accurately diagnose the reasons for your dizziness and help you find a solution.
Schedule A Vestibular Test Today
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“Dr. Kincaid is a wonderful person. She is very friendly plus a very fine doctor. She takes her time with you and keeps testing until getting the right results. She is very professional and knowledgeable. I do appreciate her very much and have confidence in her. Also, her secretary Angie is very nice and friendly. I have recommended people I have known needing a hearing test to this location.”
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“The lady that performed the hearing and balance testing was awesome. She explained everything she was doing and explained the results. That was great I knew results, not having to wait till my appointment with the ENT.”
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“I have worked directly with AAI over the past 2 years. The PCCs are some of the most pleasant people I have had the honor or encountering. They are always looking out for the best interest of the patients and ensure the correct services are provided and submitted to the billing office within a timely manor.”
What Happens At A Vestibular (Balance) Test?
#1 Please Arrive 15 Minutes Before Your Appointment
To ensure we have the right information for you and to give you enough time to complete the necessary paperwork, we ask you to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
Also, please avoid wearing mascara, eyeliner, or face lotions when you come to the clinic, as these could potentially interfere with the tests.
Similarly, we kindly ask you to refrain from drinking alcohol 24 hours prior to your appointment, as this too may interfere with the accuracy of the tests.
#2 We’ll Start With The ENG & VNG Tests
ENG = ElectroNystagmoGraphy and VNG = VideoNystagmoGraphy
Both of these tests analyze how well your eyes help your sense of balance.
In a dark room, your audiologist will ask you to watch different sequences of light on a monitor before assessing how your eyes respond to this. You’ll then be instructed to move in certain ways while watching the bright patterns.
#3 The VEMP Test Is Next
VEMP = Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential
This test is critical for your audiologist to see how your muscles are triggered by different sounds.
Firstly, you’ll sit in a chair with a pair of headphones over your ears, and then your specialist will place small sensory pads on your head and face.
You’ll then hear a specific sound, which, upon hearing it, you’ll be asked to react in a specific way.
#4 And You're Done!
Once your tests have been completed, your audiologist will discuss the results with you. If you need further treatment from this point, you’ll be given all the information you need there and then.
Have a question about your balance, or want to talk to a balance and vertigo specialist?
What Are The Causes And Symptoms Of Balance Disorders?
As you may know, our sense of balance is connected to our ears, eyes, and muscles; the brain receives, interprets, and processes information from these systems and in turn controls your balance.
However, when there is a problem with one of these systems, it could lead to problems with your sense of balance.
It’s true that vertigo and imbalance are the #1 complaint of people over 70 years of age, which suggests that balance disorders are (though not exclusively) triggered by old age.
But, there are also other causes too, such as:
- Problems with vision
- Reactions to medication
- Orthopedic issues relating to the musculoskeletal system
- Otologic (middle ear-related)
- Cardiovascular issues
- Neurological issues
- Endocrinology (hormones)
What Symptoms Should You Look Out For?
You will generally know in yourself whether or not you have a balance disorder, as you’ll experience an either intermittent or persistent feeling of motion intolerance.
This will manifest itself in a sense of lightheadedness and perhaps vertigo, which feels like your head is spinning, similar to the feeling of being very drunk. This can be triggered by something as small as moving your head too quickly, which can become debilitating quite fast and last briefly or for several hours at a time.
You might also experience a persistent feeling of unsteadiness or imbalance, making walking or even any form of upright movement difficult.
We’re Here To Help You
Balance issues can severely affect someone’s quality of life and lead to a range of injuries if left untreated, so it’s crucial to get the right help before a problem worsens.
To get expert assistance right away, fill out our “Schedule a Vestibular Test” form and one of our specialists will call you back to discuss your challenges.
Schedule A Vestibular Test Today
It’s our duty to care for the hearing health of our local residents in Maryland and DC. If you’re experiencing balance concerns, our highly trained team of audiologists is best placed to help. Schedule your vestibular test today and allow us to help you get your balance back.