Dizziness and Balance Evaluation FAQ

1.  How is the Hearing and Balance Institute of the Rockies different?

The Hearing and Balance Institute of the Rockies, Inc. is the only center in Colorado that has the most advanced technology and expertise to provide comprehensive vestibular evaluations to patients of all ages. If you are experiencing hearing loss and/or dizziness, contact the Institute today.

2. What is Dizziness?

Dizziness occurs in varying forms: light headedness, imbalance, falls, vertigo, motion sickness, rocking, swaying, rotation, movement of the environment, or a variety of other factors. One patient who is experiencing dizziness may have symptoms totally different from those of another patient with the same issue.

The vestibular and balance systems of the human body engage in a very complex interaction between the brain, sensory information from the eyes, ears, ankles, neck, feet, spine and muscular-skeletal systems. When all of these systems are functioning normally, the brain can maintain balance and no dizziness occurs. Dizziness or imbalance occurs when there is a loss of information or other abnormality in any one of these systems.

3. Why do you give more than one test?

Determining the location of the abnormality or information breakdown can be challenging, because no one test is capable of examining all of the complex interactions of the systems to determine the cause of your dizziness or hearing loss. A thorough test battery approach with results interpreted by a qualified expert in vestibular and balance disorders is the only way you can be assured of an accurate evaluation of your condition.

The evaluation used for the vestibular and balance systems provides a wonderful insight to brain health. Examinations such as the Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP), Gaze Stability Testing(GST) and Neuro Otologic Test Center (NOTC) have proven superior in evaluating mild traumatic brain injury, concussion and return to work/play readiness after such injuries.

4. How Long Will it Take?

Most comprehensive vestibular or balance assessments take 3 to 4 hours, however, it can vary depending on your case needs or your physician’s orders. The evaluations can be done in two separate sessions to reduce fatigue.

5. What if I Am on Medication?

Your Doctor of Audiology will discuss with you and your physician a list of medications you should not take 48 hours before your appointment. No prescription medicine should be stopped or changed without your physician’s approval. You will also not be allowed to have alcohol or certain over the counter medications within the 48 hours prior to your evaluation.

6. What if I Wear Contacts or Have on Make-up?

You cannot wear eye makeup during the testing.  Most contact lenses are acceptable, but bring your case and eye solution in case removal is necessary. We have private restroom facilities for you to remove eye makeup and reapply it after the testing if desired.

7. What Kind of Clothing Should I Wear?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily.  You will be placed in several different positions and have safety harnesses attached.  Therefore, do not wear a skirt or dress. Wear comfortable footwear that you can take on and off easily since you will be asked in some cases to perform testing without shoes.

8. What Forms, If Any, Will I Need to Fill Out?

We will send you several forms for you to complete and bring with you to your appointment. You may also email or fax these forms to us prior to your appointment.  If you forget the forms, you will need to arrive ½ hour -1 hour early so you can fill out the forms here at the office. The forms will be reviewed in detail with you at the appointment. The forms include medical history, dizziness and balance history, office intake forms and a map to our office.  These forms are also available for you to fill out and print at your convenience from our website.

9. What Happens if I Miss My Appointment?

We require 48 hours advance cancellation if you are unable to keep your appointment. Failure to keep your appointment or late notification will result in assessment of a missed appointment fee. Providing advance notice allows other patients waiting for an appointment to be seen earlier.