Comprehensive Balance Testing in Seattle, WA

Are you feeling dizzy, off-balance, or like you’re spinning—even when you’re standing perfectly still? You’re not alone. Balance problems impact millions of Americans each year, often due to issues in the inner ear or vestibular system. At Northwest Hearing + Tinnitus, our audiologists use advanced balance testing to uncover the root causes of your dizziness and imbalance. We partner closely with your Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor to get clear answers and effective treatment.   

What it looks like to experience vertigo and dizziness.
Dizziness and vertigo can make daily life disorienting—balance testing helps uncover the underlying cause.

Want to Regain Your Stability?

Take control of your health and regain your stability. Contact Northwest Hearing + Tinnitus today to schedule your personalized balance testing evaluation.

Request a Balance Evaluation

Why Balance Testing Matters

Your Vestibular System: A Key to Stability

Your balance depends on a complex system involving your inner ears, eyes, muscles, and brain. At the heart of this is your vestibular system. Located within your inner ears, it constantly gathers information about your body’s movements and position. When your vestibular system works well, you effortlessly maintain balance. You walk, stand, turn your head, and move without dizziness or confusion.

Medical illustration of the vestibular system inside the human inner ear, showing semicircular canals and cochlea.
The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, helps control balance and spatial orientation.

But if even one part of this intricate system malfunctions, balance becomes challenging. You might start feeling sensations like dizziness, vertigo (spinning), disorientation, or general instability. Many people also experience nausea, anxiety, or confusion, wondering why everyday tasks suddenly seem hard.

Balance testing is the essential step to identifying the underlying cause. It targets your vestibular system, examining the detailed interaction between your ears, eyes, and brain. Understanding the exact nature of your problem allows for highly targeted, effective treatment.

Common Signs of Vestibular Issues

Recognizing common signs of a vestibular disorder is crucial. If you’re frequently experiencing any of these symptoms, balance testing can help identify what’s going on:

  • Vertigo: A strong spinning sensation, even when you’re perfectly still. Episodes can last seconds, minutes, or longer.
  • Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling faint, disoriented, or unsteady, especially when standing up quickly or moving your head.
  • Imbalance or Unsteadiness: Difficulty walking straight, feeling as if you’re leaning or drifting.
  • Veering to One Side: A consistent sensation of pulling or falling toward one side, particularly noticeable when walking or standing.
  • Visual Disturbances: Difficulty focusing your vision during head movements or experiencing blurry or bouncing vision.
  • Nausea or Vomiting: Particularly common during or after dizzy episodes or sudden movements.
  • Anxiety or Fear of Falling: A natural reaction that often develops after experiencing prolonged dizziness or instability.

The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis

Many vestibular disorders share similar symptoms, which can complicate diagnosis. Simply put, dizziness and balance problems can have dozens of different causes—some related directly to your ears, others involving neurological or visual pathways. Without precise testing, treatment becomes guesswork.

Balance testing allows audiologists and other medical professionals to pinpoint exactly which part of your system isn’t functioning correctly. It removes uncertainty. Once you know precisely what’s causing your dizziness, your healthcare provider can recommend personalized therapies and effective treatments.

Man holding his head with eyes closed, illustrating disorientation and dizziness.
Dizziness can have many causes. Accurate balance testing helps identify the issue so you can get the right treatment.

Long-term Risks of Untreated Balance Issues

Ignoring balance problems often leads to larger issues down the road. Even minor dizziness or mild imbalance can dramatically impact your daily life and independence. Long-term risks include:

  • Falls and Injuries: Individuals with untreated balance issues have an increased risk of falls, leading to potential fractures, head injuries, or hospitalization. This is especially true for older adults.
  • Reduced Mobility and Independence: Fear of dizziness can make you hesitant to leave the house, reducing your physical activity and social interactions. This quickly leads to isolation and depression.
  • Reduced Quality of Life: Activities you once enjoyed—such as sports, social events, driving, or simply going for walks—can become anxiety-inducing or impossible.
  • Worsening Symptoms: Many vestibular disorders can progress or become chronic if left untreated, creating persistent discomfort and severe limitations.

Balance testing provides an opportunity for early intervention. The earlier your condition is identified, the quicker and more effectively you can begin treatment. Prompt treatment reduces symptoms, restores your confidence, and safeguards your independence and overall quality of life.

Benefits of Comprehensive Balance Testing at Northwest Hearing + Tinnitus

At Northwest Hearing + Tinnitus, our comprehensive balance testing provides multiple crucial benefits:

  • Thorough Assessment: We use advanced diagnostic tools, including vestibular nystagmography (VNG), VEMP testing, auditory brainstem response (ABR) tests, and audiograms to thoroughly assess your vestibular system.
  • Expert Analysis: Our audiologists have specialized training and significant experience interpreting complex vestibular test results, ensuring accurate diagnosis.
  • Tailored Treatment Plans: After identifying your specific balance issue, we collaborate with your ENT, vestibular physical therapists, or other specialists to develop highly individualized treatment plans.
  • Convenient and Comfortable Testing Environment: We perform balance tests in our comfortable, patient-friendly Seattle clinic, making sure you’re relaxed and informed throughout the process.

Balance testing isn’t just another diagnostic procedure—it’s the first step toward regaining control of your life. At Northwest Hearing + Tinnitus, we’re here to help you understand exactly what’s causing your dizziness and to provide a clear path forward to recovery and stability.

Stop Dizziness and Gain Relief

Ready to stop dizziness in its tracks? Schedule your balance testing appointment today at Northwest Hearing + Tinnitus—your first step toward lasting relief.

Find Out What’s Causing Your Dizziness

What to Expect During Your Balance Testing Appointment

Preparation for Your Appointment

Knowing what to expect during your balance testing appointment helps reduce anxiety. It also ensures your test results are accurate and useful. At Northwest Hearing + Tinnitus, we guide you through every step of the process, ensuring comfort and clarity throughout.

Before your appointment, there are a few key guidelines you’ll need to follow. Certain medications, such as anti-dizziness or antihistamines, can interfere with test results. We’ll provide you a full list of medications to pause briefly before testing. Additionally, it’s best to eat lightly before your test, avoiding caffeine and alcohol for at least 24 hours prior. This ensures accurate results and minimizes discomfort during the procedures.

Wear comfortable clothing, as some tests involve head and body movements. If you typically wear glasses or hearing aids, bring them along as well.

Step-by-Step: The Balance Testing Process

Your balance testing appointment involves several evaluations. Each test targets different parts of your vestibular system. Here’s a clear overview of what you can expect during the appointment:

1. Comprehensive Audiogram (Hearing Test)
The first step typically involves checking your hearing, since balance issues often correlate with inner-ear problems. You’ll sit comfortably wearing headphones while listening to various tones and volumes. You’ll respond each time you hear a sound, helping us assess your hearing sensitivity.

We also evaluate the tiny hair cells in your inner ear. Damage to these cells may lead to dizziness and balance challenges.

2. Vestibular Nystagmography (VNG)
VNG testing examines how your eyes and vestibular system work together. You’ll wear special goggles equipped with cameras. These track and record your eye movements during specific tasks. We’ll guide you through exercises like following moving objects or shifting your gaze rapidly.

One part of the VNG, called caloric testing, involves gently introducing warm and cool air or water into your ear canals. This stimulates your vestibular system and might briefly recreate sensations of dizziness. Don’t worry—these sensations pass quickly, and your audiologist will support you at every step.

3. Ocular and Cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP)
The ocular and cervical VEMP tests measure muscle responses triggered by sound stimuli, assessing your vestibular nerve pathways. During these tests, we’ll attach small electrodes to your neck and near your eyes.

You’ll hear brief, clicking sounds through earphones. The electrodes capture subtle muscle reactions, helping your audiologist identify issues deep within your vestibular system. This test is painless and quick, typically taking only 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Testing
ABR testing evaluates how your auditory nerves and brainstem respond to sound. For this test, we place small, painless electrodes on your scalp. Through headphones, you’ll hear a series of clicking noises. You don’t have to respond to these sounds—simply relax and stay still.

As you relax, the electrodes record your brain’s electrical activity. ABR testing helps us determine if your balance problems might involve neurological pathways between your ears and brain.

Comfort and Safety First

At Northwest Hearing + Tinnitus, your comfort and safety are our highest priorities. While some tests might induce mild, brief dizziness, your audiologist remains close by, ensuring you feel safe throughout the evaluation. We take breaks whenever needed and clearly explain each test before starting.

Our comfortable clinic environment and caring approach help put you at ease. Most patients find the testing straightforward and manageable, especially knowing it leads directly to solutions.

Duration of Your Visit

Expect your comprehensive balance testing appointment to last about 90 minutes to two hours. This allows ample time for each step and ensures thorough, accurate assessments. Feel free to ask questions at any point—we’re here to help you understand each step clearly.

Immediate Follow-up and Next Steps

Once testing concludes, your audiologist will review initial findings with you. In some cases, immediate treatments or recommendations begin the same day. More commonly, your audiologist carefully analyzes your detailed results before planning next steps.

We communicate closely with your ENT or primary care provider, sharing test results and recommended therapies. Follow-up might include referrals for vestibular physical therapy, medication adjustments, lifestyle changes, or ongoing balance rehabilitation programs.

Balance testing at Northwest Hearing + Tinnitus is thorough, patient-centered, and designed specifically to identify and treat your individual needs. Our goal is clear: help you restore your sense of balance, confidence, and quality of life.

Schedule Appointment Today

Feel like the room keeps spinning? It doesn’t have to. Let’s get to the bottom of it with expert balance testing—contact us to get started.

Start Your Evaluation Today

Common Conditions Diagnosed Through Balance Testing

Comprehensive balance testing helps diagnose several vestibular disorders, including:

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief vertigo triggered by certain head movements.
  • Vestibular Neuritis: Sudden, severe dizziness caused by inflammation of the vestibular nerve.
  • Meniere’s Disease: Inner ear disorder causing episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
  • Vestibular Migraine: Migraine headaches accompanied by severe dizziness or imbalance.
  • Labyrinthitis: Inner ear infection causing dizziness, hearing loss, or ringing in your ears.

Preparing for Your Balance Testing Appointment

To make your appointment smooth and efficient, keep these points in mind:

  • Referral Required: Most insurance companies need a referral from your ENT physician. Request this before scheduling your test.
  • Medication Check: We’ll give you detailed guidelines on medications or foods to avoid before your appointment to ensure accurate results.
  • Bring a Companion: Consider having a friend or family member accompany you, as some tests may briefly induce dizziness.
Woman helping an elderly person who appears dizzy and unsteady on her feet.
It’s common to feel a little dizzy before or during testing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Balance Testing

1. Does balance testing hurt or cause discomfort?
Balance testing is generally painless, though some tests briefly induce mild dizziness. Our audiologists prioritize your comfort, ensuring you feel safe and supported throughout.

2. How should I prepare for my balance testing appointment?
Avoid certain medications and alcohol for at least 24 hours before your test. Eat lightly, wear comfortable clothes, and bring your glasses or hearing aids if you use them. We’ll give you detailed instructions beforehand.

3. How long will my balance test appointment take?
Your balance evaluation typically lasts 90 minutes to two hours. We allow ample time for thorough testing and immediate discussion of preliminary results.

4. Will insurance cover my balance testing?
Most insurance plans cover balance testing with a referral from your ENT or primary care provider. Check with your insurer for details or contact our office for assistance.

5. What happens if balance problems are detected?
Depending on your results, treatments could include vestibular therapy, medication adjustments, lifestyle recommendations, or follow-ups with medical specialists.

6. Do I need a doctor’s referral to schedule balance testing?
Most insurance providers require a physician’s referral. We recommend contacting your primary care provider or ENT specialist to streamline scheduling and insurance coverage.

Related Articles

Stay informed about hearing and balance health with helpful insights from our audiology team. Here are a few recent posts:

Why Choose Northwest Hearing + Tinnitus for Balance Testing?

Our practice stands out because we:

  • Partner closely with your ENT and other healthcare providers.
  • Utilize advanced diagnostic tools, ensuring accurate results.
  • Emphasize clear, patient-friendly explanations and support.
  • Provide comprehensive care and individualized treatment plans.
  • Offer extensive experience with a wide range of vestibular disorders.

When dizziness and imbalance disrupt your daily life, don’t wait. Schedule your comprehensive balance testing at Northwest Hearing + Tinnitus. Let us help you find clarity, balance, and peace of mind.

Why Choose Northwest Hearing + Tinnitus for Balance Testing?

Don’t let balance problems disrupt your life another day. Contact us today to arrange comprehensive balance testing with our trusted audiology team.

Contact Our Team