Balance Testing in Lakeland and Winter Haven, FL
Why Balance Testing Is Important
Balance depends on several systems working together, including the inner ear, vision, sensory nerves, and the brain. When one part of this system is disrupted, the result may be dizziness, vertigo, or instability.
Balance testing helps:
- Identify whether the inner ear is contributing to symptoms
- Differentiate between positional and non-positional dizziness
- Clarify patterns that may explain when symptoms occur
- Support coordination with other providers when needed
Understanding the source of symptoms helps reduce uncertainty and improve confidence.
Functional Balance Assessment
Dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems can come from many different sources and getting the right answer starts with the right testing. At Aspire Hearing Solutions, we offer a comprehensive functional balance assessment to help determine whether your symptoms are related to the inner ear (vestibular system) or another cause.
What's Included in Your Balance Assessment?
Gait Analysis
Observing how you walk, including stride, balance, and coordination, to identify patterns that may point to a balance or inner ear problem.
GANS Sensory Organization Performance Testing (SOP)
Balance testing performed under a variety of conditions (standing with feet open, closed, or together; arms crossed or relaxed; eyes open or closed; standing on a firm surface vs. a foam pad) to help isolate whether a balance issue is ear-related.
Gaze Testing
Measures whether your eyes stay steady while looking in different directions; unwanted eye movement (nystagmus) can be a sign of an inner ear or neurological issue.
Head Shake Test
After shaking the head briefly, we record eye movement to check for nystagmus, which can reveal an imbalance between the left and right inner ear.
Impulse Test
Quick, small head movements are used to test how well your eyes stay locked on a target, which helps assess how well the inner ear balance system is working on each side.
Smooth Pursuit (Tracking) Testing
Measures how well your eyes follow a slow-moving target; irregular tracking can point to a vestibular or neurological cause of dizziness.
Positional Testing
Involves moving into specific positions to check whether certain movements or head positions trigger dizziness or abnormal eye movements, often used to help identify BPPV.
BPPV Evaluation & Treatment
As part of your assessment, we also perform a Dix-Hallpike test to check for BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), one of the most common causes of vertigo. If BPPV is identified, we can typically begin treatment during the same visit.
Determining Your Next Steps
The goal of your assessment is to determine whether your dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues are related to the inner ear. Based on your results:
- If your symptoms are ear-related, we’ll begin treatment in-office or refer you to the appropriate specialist for further care.
- If your symptoms are not ear-related, we’ll provide referrals to the right professional for further evaluation.
Education & Additional Support
We also provide guidance on other treatment options that may help with balance issues, including vestibular rehabilitation therapy and other supportive therapies, so you have a clear path forward no matter the cause.
Schedule Your Hearing Appointment
If dizziness or balance concerns are affecting your daily life, evaluation can help clarify what’s happening. Call 863-450-1179 or request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Balance Testing
What is balance testing designed to evaluate?
Balance testing evaluates how well the systems responsible for stability are working together, including the inner ear, vision, sensory nerves, and the brain.
Why can balance problems feel so confusing or inconsistent?
Balance relies on constant communication between multiple systems. When one system sends inaccurate or delayed signals, dizziness or unsteadiness can occur, sometimes without warning.
Does balance testing help identify the cause of dizziness?
Balance testing helps determine whether the inner ear may be contributing to symptoms and clarifies patterns related to movement, position, or visual input.
What kinds of symptoms might lead to balance testing?
Balance testing may be recommended for people who experience:
- Spinning or vertigo
- Unsteadiness while walking
- Lightheadedness with movement
- Difficulty maintaining balance in low light
What happens during balance testing?
Testing may involve observing eye movements, evaluating balance responses during movement, or assessing how the body adapts to changes in position. All testing is non-invasive and designed for comfort.
Can I book an evaluation with you?
Yes! You can request an appointment online or by calling 863-450-1179.