Getting the Right Help for Balance Issues in Older Adults

Balance problems affect 90 million Americans during their lifetime, with dizziness being the top complaint among adults over 70. The good news is that most balance issues can be effectively diagnosed and treated, allowing you to maintain your active lifestyle and independence. Understanding when to seek professional help is the first step toward regaining your confidence and mobility.

Understanding Balance Problems as We Age

Balance-related falls cause over 300,000 hip fractures annually in individuals over 65, making early intervention crucial for maintaining your quality of life. Many older adults dismiss balance issues as a normal part of aging, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Balance problems often signal treatable conditions that, when properly addressed, can significantly improve your daily activities and overall well-being.

The inner ear plays a vital role in maintaining balance, and inner ear disturbances account for 85% of dizzy disorders. These issues can manifest in various ways, from light-headedness and dizziness to the sensation that you or the world around you is spinning. Some people experience difficulty walking, rolling over in bed, or even challenges with reading or watching television.

Common Symptoms That Warrant Professional Attention

Many older adults experience balance-related symptoms but aren't sure when these warrant professional evaluation. Balance-related falls account for more than half of accidental deaths in the elderly, making it essential to recognize warning signs early.

You should consider seeking professional evaluation if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Persistent dizziness or lightheadedness that interferes with your daily activities signals the need for professional assessment. This might include feeling unsteady when standing up, walking, or turning your head quickly.

Vertigo or spinning sensations can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Whether you feel like you're spinning or the room is moving around you, these symptoms often indicate inner ear issues that respond well to treatment.

Frequent falls or near-falls represent a significant safety concern. Even if you haven't been seriously injured, multiple episodes of losing your balance or feeling like you might fall deserve professional attention.

Difficulty with routine activities such as walking in the dark, navigating stairs, or maintaining balance while reaching for objects can indicate balance system problems that benefit from professional intervention.

The Connection Between Inner Ear Health and Balance

Inner ear disorders or infections can result in imbalance and vertigo, affecting your ability to perform many daily activities. The inner ear contains specialized structures that help your brain understand your body's position in space. When these structures don't function properly, your balance system becomes compromised.

Many times, inner ear disorders are misdiagnosed as more severe neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or clinical depression. This is why working with qualified professionals who specialize in balance disorders is so important. We understand the complex relationship between your inner ear, brain, and balance system.

Various factors can contribute to balance problems in older adults. Illness, infections, disease, head injuries, and whiplash are frequent causes of imbalance, dizziness, and vertigo. Understanding the root cause of your balance issues allows for targeted treatment that can restore your confidence and mobility.

The Importance of Professional Evaluation

We understand that balance issues interfere with your daily life, making even the simplest tasks feel challenging. While many hospitals and clinics have waitlists of 3 to 4 months for balance evaluations, we can schedule your assessment within a few weeks. This means you can receive the next steps for treatment from your doctor in an efficient manner, getting you back to your active lifestyle sooner.

Professional evaluation provides the foundation for effective treatment. During your comprehensive assessment, we use advanced diagnostic techniques to identify the specific cause of your balance problems. This thorough approach ensures that you receive targeted treatment rather than generic solutions that may not address your particular situation.

Our audiologists are certified with the American Institute of Balance (AIB), one of the country's best-known diagnostic, treatment, and educational facilities specializing in equilibrium disorders. AIB is widely recognized for providing practitioners with the most current clinical and scientific breakthroughs in treatments. We provide the most advanced neurodiagnostic evaluation for dizziness and balance problems, and we're proud that AIB has qualified us as a center of specialty care.

What to Expect During Your Balance Evaluation

Understanding what happens during a professional balance evaluation can help reduce any anxiety about the process. The evaluation is non-invasive and designed to identify the specific cause of your balance issues so we can develop an effective treatment plan.

We begin by discussing your symptoms, medical history, and how balance problems are affecting your daily life. This conversation helps us understand your specific challenges and goals for treatment. We want to know about your lifestyle, activities you enjoy, and what you hope to accomplish through treatment.

The diagnostic testing process involves various assessments that help us understand how different parts of your balance system are functioning. These tests are comfortable and provide valuable information about your inner ear function, eye movements, and overall balance responses.

Throughout the evaluation, we take time to explain what we're doing and why each test is important. We encourage family members to attend your appointment to be part of your hearing and balance health journey. Having support during this process often helps people feel more confident about moving forward with treatment.

Treatment Options and Positive Outcomes

The encouraging news is that most balance problems respond well to appropriate treatment. Once we identify the cause of your balance issues, we can develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.

Treatment approaches vary depending on your particular condition but often include specialized exercises, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes medical interventions. Many people experience significant improvement in their balance and confidence within weeks of beginning treatment.

Successful treatment allows you to return to activities you enjoy while reducing your risk of falls and injuries. Whether you want to continue gardening, playing with grandchildren, traveling, or simply feeling confident navigating your home, effective balance treatment can help you maintain your independence and active lifestyle.

Taking the Next Step Toward Better Balance

Balance problems don't have to limit your lifestyle or independence. With proper evaluation and treatment, most people can experience significant improvement in their balance and overall quality of life. The key is seeking professional help when you first notice symptoms rather than waiting for problems to worsen.

Early intervention leads to better outcomes and helps prevent the progression of balance problems that can impact your safety and independence. By addressing balance issues promptly, you're taking an important step toward maintaining the active, fulfilling lifestyle you deserve.

Schedule Your Balance Evaluation Today

Don't let balance problems keep you from enjoying life to the fullest. Our certified balance specialists are ready to help you identify the cause of your symptoms and develop an effective treatment plan. With our efficient scheduling process, you can begin your path to better balance within weeks rather than months. Contact us today at 425-455-0526 to schedule your comprehensive balance evaluation and take the first step toward regaining your confidence and mobility.