Living with a vestibular disorder can profoundly impact a person’s life in various ways. The vestibular system plays a crucial role in core functioning. When it becomes damaged or diseased, it affects how one feels and their ability to carry out day-to-day activities smoothly.

Whether diagnosed or undiagnosed, individuals dealing with dizziness and related challenges often seek guidance on self-education and how to help their loved ones understand their experiences better. At Lakeside Hearing, we recognize the importance of offering support and valuable information to those living with chronic vestibular disorders.

In this blog, we aim to address some of the common questions and concerns raised by individuals with vestibular disorders. Moreover, we will share practical strategies, tips, and resources to help cope with everyday challenges and enhance overall well-being.

Coping with Events and Social Settings

Living with a vestibular disorder can make crowded and busy environments overwhelming and exhausting. We offer practical tips for attending events, such as using a cane for additional proprioceptive feedback, carrying a fold-up stool for outdoor events, and choosing optimal seating arrangements to reduce sensory overload.

Travel Strategies for Managing Symptoms

Travelling can be daunting for those with vestibular disorders due to altitude changes, motion patterns, and disturbing lighting conditions. In our appointments with clients, we discuss helpful strategies and precautions to consider while planning a trip to minimize discomfort and ensure a smoother travel experience.

Tips for Dining Out

Restaurants can be challenging environments for individuals with chronic vestibular disorders. We provide valuable adaptations and suggestions to help individuals continue socializing and enjoying dining experiences with relative comfort.

Lighting

Dealing with specific lighting conditions can be challenging for individuals with vestibular disorders. Fluorescent lights may cause visual difficulty, so it is advisable to sit away from them and position yourself with your back to the light source.

Additionally, some restaurants control lights with a central rheostat, which can be visually disorienting when the lights are adjusted.

If you encounter flickering candles on the table, consider asking for the wick to be trimmed or the candle extinguished.

These simple adjustments can significantly improve comfort and reduce potential visual disturbances for those with vestibular disorders during various activities.

Dietary Choices

Many people with certain vestibular disorders (e.g., Meniere’s disease, secondary endolymphatic hydrops, or migraine-associated dizziness) find that certain dietary modifications can help manage their condition.

  • Depending on your diagnosis, you may want to:
  • Distribute food and fluid intake evenly throughout the day and from day to day.
  • Avoid foods and beverages that have a high salt or sugar content.
  • Avoid specific migraine “triggers” such as stress, anxiety, smoking, and certain foods.
  • Drink adequate amounts of fluid daily.
  • Avoid tobacco and foods and beverages with caffeine or alcohol.

Managing Fatigue and Increasing Activity Level

Dealing with a vestibular disorder can leave one feeling fatigued and drained. With our clients, we share expert tips on managing fatigue and gradually increasing activity levels while ensuring proper self-care and energy preservation.

Coping Tips for Students

Students with vestibular disorders may face unique challenges in an academic setting. We work with our student clients by offering advice on communicating with professors and counsellors, reducing distractions, and tailoring their school schedules to accommodate their health needs better.

Adapting to Vision Problems

Vision difficulties are a common complaint among those with vestibular challenges. We help by offering helpful solutions to minimize dizziness related to visual movement.

Tips for Visiting the Dentist

Dental appointments can be uncomfortable for individuals with vestibular disorders due to lighting, chair position changes, and reclining positions. There are practical strategies to ensure a more comfortable dental experience.

Emphasizing the Importance of Staying Active

Staying physically active can positively impact vestibular disorder symptoms. We highlight beneficial exercises and tools, such as using the Nintendo Wii or exploring Tai Chi, to enhance balance and overall well-being.

At Lakeside Hearing, we understand the challenges posed by vestibular disorders and the importance of tailored vestibular rehabilitation to improve the quality of life for our patients in the interior.

Our objective audio-vestibular testing enables accurate diagnosis, leading to individualized treatment plans for each patient’s unique needs.

We strive to be a trusted resource and support for individuals navigating life with vestibular disorders, ensuring they can lead fulfilling lives without travelling to Vancouver for specialized care.

If you have questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. Together, we can overcome the challenges and thrive in the face of vestibular disorders.