Ear, Hearing and Balance Center

Specialized Care for Balance Disorders (Vestibular Disorders)

Balance disorders can significantly impact your life. Any condition that makes you feel dizzy or unsteady may be related to an issue with the vestibular system. Located in the inner ear, the vestibular system is the sensory system that provides information to the brain about one’s spatial orientation for the purpose of coordinating movement with balance.

Make an appointment with an ear, hearing and balance expert

If you are experiencing hearing loss or balance problems, call 440-732-3821 to schedule an appointment with an ENT doctor or audiologist at a location near you.

Some of the balance disorders that the ENT experts at University Hospitals can diagnose and treat, include:

: An inner-ear condition that can cause dizziness, spinning sensations, ringing in your ear (tinnitus), transient hearing loss and feelings of pressure in the ear.
: The thinning or absence of a small piece of bone that usually covers the inner ear. SSCD can lead to episodic vertigo (often when exposed to loud sounds), balance problems and hearing symptoms, including oversensitivity to sound and/or heightened awareness of your own voice or normally imperceptible sounds. The ENT experts at UH treat SSCD using the most advanced surgical approaches, including a same-day trans-mastoid approach which was pioneered at University Hospitals.
: Vestibular migraine is the most common reason for episodic vertigo (spinning sensation). It is very common in patients with other vestibular disorders including Meniere’s disease and SSCD. Our experts including vestibular audiologists, neurologists and neurotologists manage these patients in a very comprehensive manner.
: A very common cause of vertigo (dizziness or spinning sensation). Episodes may only last for one minute or less but can be recurring and very debilitating. BPPV is caused by a problem in the inner ear. Normally, tiny calcium stones or crystals in the inner ear canals help you keep your balance by moving when you stand up or turn your head. When the movement of these crystals is abnormal in response to changes in head or eye movements, symptoms of mild to intense dizziness can occur. The ENT experts at University Hospitals, in collaboration with vestibular therapists, can treat and rehabilitate even the most complex cases of BPPV.
: An inflammatory disorder of the vestibular nerves that can cause very debilitating vertigo (dizziness or spinning sensation). Treatment usually includes steroid medications but, often, long-term issues with balance may persist. Our experts use various vestibular tests as well as advanced rehabilitation to help these patients to improve their balance and functionality.
: This can be due to various causes. The UH team of ENT experts and vestibular therapists work with each patient to reach an appropriate diagnosis and prescribe the right treatments and vestibular rehabilitation to enhance the patient’s balance function, safety and ultimately their quality of life.

Comprehensive Evaluations to Diagnose Balance Disorders

If you are experiencing balance and/or dizziness problems, it is important to consult with an ENT specialist and audiologist. These issues can increase your risk of falls and may be symptoms of a serious condition that requires immediate treatment. Your team will perform a complete evaluation that may include assessments of:

Balance
Walking
Neck mobility
Visual stability
Vestibular function

Based on the results of these assessments, your ENT specialist may recommend an exercise-based program called vestibular therapy. Your plan of care will be individualized to meet your needs and will be adjusted according to your home’s layout and your daily habits to maximize your safety. In working with your therapist, the goal will be to improve your function in everyday activities and reduce your risk of falling.

Make an appointment with an ear, hearing and balance expert

If you are experiencing hearing loss or balance problems, call 440-873-2326 today to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with an ENT doctor or audiologist at a location near you.