Dizzy? Loss of Balance? Vertigo? Motion Sickness?

The natural aging process may affect any one or all of our five senses, as well as the central nervous system's ability to interpret and react quickly to them.

It is very common to hear from someone who has fallen that they saw the curb or step, but were not able to react fast enough or to keep their balance.

The National Institute of Health Statistics indicate that balance-related falls account for half of the accidental deaths in the over 65 population. In addition, nearly 300,000 hip fractures and $3 billion in medical expenses result from balance-related falls every year.

With proper diagnosis and therapeutic exercises, called Balance Retraining, many older adults are able to return to a more active lifestyle.

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American Institute of Balance&reg Patient Self Quiz

Have you ever felt:

__ a feeling of motion, spinning, or falling when moving your head quickly, or changing your position, e.g. getting in and out of bed?

__ uncomfortable trying to get around in the dark?

__ walking down grocery store aisles or through the mall is upsetting?

__ your feet just won't go where you want them to?

__ a sense of unsteadiness? A feeling you are not sure-footed?

__ a fear of falling or stumbling?

__ looking at moving objects such as escalators or looking out the side window of a car makes you queasy?

__difficulty keeping your balance as you walk on different surfaces, e.g. tile to carpet?

__a feeling like you are drifting or being pulled to one side when walking?

__ no one really understand how frustrating all of this is?

If you checked one or more of these questions, a vestibular and equilibrium evaluation should be scheduled.  Talk to your primary doctor or call an talk to one of our AudigyCertified Audiologists.