Balance
Expert hearing and balance services in Albuquerque, NM.
Vertigo and Dizziness
Dizziness and balance disorders are some of the most prevalent conditions affecting individuals. An estimated 90 million Americans will experience dizziness at least once in their lifetime. Dizziness occurs when the brain receives false signals from the balance system (comprising the inner ear, eyes, and sensory nerves). It senses movement and overcompensates, leading to a spinning sensation.
Balance disorders are commonly associated with dizziness or vertigo. Some of these include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A vestibular disorder that causes vertigo. BPPV is caused when calcium deposits in the inner ear become dislodged from the otolithic membrane and settle in the semicircular canals. Any change in the position of the head causes these tiny crystals to shift, triggering dizziness.
- Meniere’s Disease: An inner ear disorder that causes fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and fullness in the ear. This is the result of excess fluid in the inner ear. While there is no cure, there are various options to help manage your symptoms.
- Labyrinthitis: An inflammation of the inner ear typically caused by infection, resulting in vertigo, temporary hearing loss, and tinnitus.
While feelings of dizziness are an indicator of a balance disorder or vertigo, other common symptoms are:
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Unsteadiness
- Weakness
- The sensation of movement in your surroundings
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Blurred vision
Balance Testing
To diagnose your balance disorder and the exact cause, balance testing must be performed. There are a number of diagnostic tests available, the most common being:
- Acoustic Immittance Measures
- Audiometry
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
- Electrocochleography
- Electronystagmography (ENG)
- Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)
- Posturography
- Videonystagmography
These diagnostic tests are painless and will help our audiologists diagnose and evaluate a variety of hearing and balance disorders.
Treatment for Dizziness and Vertigo
Treatment for balance disorders can take many forms depending on the cause of your dizziness. The audiologists at Albuquerque Speech Language Hearing Center will target the underlying condition to reduce or completely eliminate your symptoms.
Treatment options can include:
- Medications (antihistamines, sedatives, antibiotics, or steroids)
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Surgery
- Repositioning exercises
- Vestibular retraining programs
- Lifestyle modifications
Our audiologists will work with you to create a custom treatment plan that leaves you feeling better.
Request Appointment
Clinic Hours
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
8:00am – 6:30pm
8:00am – 6:30pm
8:00am – 6:30pm
8:00am – 6:30pm
8:00am – 3:00pm
Audiology Department
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
8:00am – 5:00pm
8:00am – 5:00pm
8:00am – 5:00pm
8:00am – 5:00pm
8:00am – 6:00pm
Speech Department
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
8:00am – 6:15pm
8:00am – 6:15pm
8:00am – 6:15pm
8:00am – 6:15pm
8:00am – 12:00pm
Holiday Closures
Presidents Day
Memorial Day
JuneteenthÂ
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Black Friday
December 24 – January 2
Location
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9500 Montgomery Blvd NE
Suite 215
Albuquerque, NM 87111
