DIZZINESS & VERTIGO

TESTING & TREATMENT

Lakeside Hearing offers a variety of vestibular tests and treatments for individuals in the Interior of British Columbia with these symptoms. Our specialized and comprehensive assessments are offered in Kelowna and are tailored to each patient’s unique case history.

Consider booking an audio-vestibular assessment if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: motion sensitivity, feeling like you are on a boat, the floor is tipping, feeling off when you bend down or turn your head, unsteady while walking, dizzy when looking at TV screens, or dizzy while driving. Furthermore, if you have suffered a concussion, the vestibular testing assesses whether your dizziness is coming from the inner ear or your concussion to properly tailor a rehabilitation plan.

BOOK APPOINTMENT

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VESTIBULAR ASSESSMENT

It Can Start with Your Hearing

Routine hearing tests are an important part of maintaining good hearing health. Our ears give us important information about what is around us to maintain our orientation in space. Conditions that can affect the balance sensors in the inner ear can also affect the hearing sensors and their pathways. Some vestibular disorders may result in hearing loss, tinnitus (perception of ringing or other sounds in the ears), reduced sound tolerance, or ear pressure. Managing hearing loss is an important part of a vestibular treatment plan.

First, we can use the following assessments to help determine whether a vestibular disorder is present.

Then that helps us to develop an individualized treatment plan based on the findings.

BALANCE TESTING

VNG (Videonystagmography)

This test involves testing the patient’s balance system while recording and measuring involuntary eye movements (nystagmus) through infrared goggles.

VEMP (Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential)

In this test, we assess how the utricle and saccule (parts of the inner ear) connect to the brainstem through the vestibular nerve. This helps in the diagnosis of Meniere’s, and other conditions affecting the vestibular nerve, like vestibular neuritis.

vHIT (Video Head Impulse Test)

The vHIT test uses infrared technology to measure how the six semicircular canals in the ear function. It analyses eye movement in response to head impulses, which gives a measurement of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR).

GSOPT (Gans Sensory Organization Performance Test)

In this test, Lakeside will evaluate your ability to utilize and integrate sensory input with three standardized tests of balance function.

CDVAT (Computerized Dynamic Visual Acuity Test)

This test assesses gaze stability during motion, relating to normal daily life activities like walking, bending, and turning.

BALANCE TREATMENT

BPPV TREATMENT

BPPV treatment with repositioning maneuvers and computerized monitoring for treatment accuracy. Our team is experienced in treating complex, multicanal, and recalcitrant forms of BPPV.

SELF-DIRECTED VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION THERAPY

Patients are shown how to perform vestibular exercises and are given a self-directed program tailored to the specific area of weakness.

MULTIDISCIPLINARY GROUP EDUCATION, SUPPORT, AND COUNSELLING

For those suffering from chronic or persistent dizziness. Groups are limited to 6 people and are hosted by Nichole Sorensen, Audiologist, and Clarice Bower, Certified Vestibular Physiotherapist, Lifemark Health. Sessions are held at Lakeside Hearing.

INDIVIDUALIZED VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION THERAPY (VRT)

Individualized VRT is provided by Nichole Sorensen, Au.D., RAUD, RHIP at our Lakeshore Road location in Kelowna.

DIZZINESS SUPPORT SESSIONS

If you are living with symptoms of chronic dizziness, unsteadiness, vestibular dysfunction, or motion sensitivity, you are not alone. Living with a vestibular disorder can be overwhelming, isolating, and scary whether it’s very brief or chronic.

It can also come with a host of symptoms such as physical and emotional fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, or depression. An important part of vestibular rehabilitation is counseling and support to help you reach your full potential.

UPCOMING SESSIONS:

We currently do not have any group sessions scheduled.

To be added to the waitlist for the next group session, please contact our office.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GROUP SESSIONS