Vestibular (Balance) Evaluations in El Paso, TX

If you’re struggling with dizziness, frequent falls, vertigo, or a sense of unsteadiness, it’s time to take a closer look at your balance health. At Desert Peak Hearing and Balance Clinic, we specialize in advanced vestibular evaluations to help you find the root cause of these symptoms and get back to living with confidence and stability.

Your balance system is complex, involving the inner ear (vestibular system), eyes, muscles, and brain. When any part of this system isn’t working properly, it can leave you feeling disoriented, lightheaded, or off-balance. Our board-certified audiologists use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and guide you toward effective treatment solutions.

Do You Need a Vestibular Evaluation?

Consider scheduling a vestibular evaluation if you experience:

  • Frequent dizziness or lightheadedness

  • A spinning sensation (vertigo)

  • Unsteadiness while walking or standing

  • Trouble focusing your eyes during movement

  • Nausea or motion sensitivity

  • Frequent falls or fear of falling

  • A history of inner ear infections or head injuries

Balance issues can interfere with simple daily activities and seriously impact your quality of life. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, early evaluation and treatment can help restore your balance and reduce the risk of injury.

Common Causes of Balance Disorders

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Caused by displaced calcium crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear canals, resulting in brief episodes of vertigo with head movements.

  • Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear or vestibular nerve that leads to sudden, severe dizziness or imbalance.

  • Meniere’s Disease: A chronic inner ear disorder causing episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.

  • Age-Related Balance Decline: Natural changes in the balance system as we age can increase the risk of falls and unsteadiness.

  • Central Nervous System Disorders: Conditions affecting the brain, such as stroke or multiple sclerosis, can impact balance.

Identifying the underlying cause is essential for developing an effective treatment plan and helping you feel steady again.

Vestibular Evaluation Process

At Desert Peak Hearing and Balance Clinic, we provide a thorough, step-by-step assessment of your balance system using advanced diagnostic technology. Our evaluations are designed to uncover whether your symptoms stem from issues in the inner ear (peripheral vestibular system) or from central nervous system dysfunction.

Step 1: Medical History and Symptom Review

We begin by discussing your medical history, lifestyle factors, and the specific symptoms you’re experiencing. Understanding when and how your symptoms occur helps guide our diagnostic approach.

Step 2: Hearing Test

We begin by discussing your medical history, lifestyle factors, and the specific symptoms you’re experiencing. Understanding when and how your symptoms occur helps guide our diagnostic approach.

Step 2: Videonystagmography (VNG)

This is one of the most comprehensive tests for assessing balance function. Using infrared video goggles, we monitor and record your eye movements in response to specific head and body positions. Since your eyes and inner ears work together to maintain balance, analyzing these movements provides valuable insight into how well your vestibular system is functioning.

VNG includes several subtests to evaluate different aspects of your balance system:

  • Positional Testing: Assesses how changes in head position affect dizziness or vertigo.

  • Gaze and Oculomotor Testing: Evaluates eye movements to check for central nervous system involvement.

  • Caloric Testing: Gently stimulates each ear separately using warm and cool air or water to test the individual function of each inner ear.

Step 3: Rotary Chair Testing

This test measures how your eyes respond to controlled rotational movements while you’re seated in a motorized chair. Rotary chair testing is particularly useful for identifying bilateral vestibular loss and determining how well your vestibular system works under dynamic conditions.

Step 4: BPPV Assessment

If you experience brief vertigo episodes triggered by head movements, we’ll perform positional maneuvers like the Dix-Hallpike test to determine if BPPV is the cause. If diagnosed, we can often provide immediate treatment with simple, non-invasive repositioning maneuvers to relieve symptoms.

Step 5: Post-Evaluation Consultation

Once your evaluation is complete, our audiologists will review the results with you in clear, straightforward language. We’ll explain what’s contributing to your symptoms and outline the next steps for treatment.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Based on your evaluation results, we’ll recommend a customized treatment plan to help you regain stability and confidence. Your treatment plan may include:

  • Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: Effective techniques, such as the Epley maneuver, to reposition displaced crystals in the inner ear and relieve BPPV symptoms.

  • Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): A specialized exercise program that helps your brain adapt and compensate for balance disorders, improving coordination and reducing dizziness.

  • Medical Referrals: In some cases, we may refer you to an ENT specialist or neurologist for further evaluation or treatment.

  • Lifestyle and Safety Recommendations: Guidance on fall prevention, home modifications, and strategies to manage symptoms in daily life.

Why Choose Desert Peak Hearing and Balance Clinic?

  • Board-Certified Audiologists with Advanced Vestibular Training

  • Comprehensive, In-Depth Evaluations Using Modern Technology

  • Personalized Care Plans Focused on Long-Term Results

  • A Supportive, Patient-Centered Approach to Balance Recovery

You don’t have to live with constant dizziness or fear of falling. Our expert team is here to help you find real solutions and restore your confidence in movement.

Take the First Step Toward Better Balance

If you’re ready to regain your stability and get back to living life on your terms, schedule a comprehensive vestibular evaluation today.