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BPPV is an acronym for a vestibular disorder called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. BPPV is a common disorder, affecting up to 30% of patients that report a spinning sensation called vertigo. BPPV may affect people of all ages, but is most likely to develop in adults over the age of 50. BPPV diagnosis and treatment falls under the scope of practice of both Audiologists and Physical Therapists.
BPPV occurs when tiny crystal-like structures within the inner ear called otoconia detach from their normal position and migrate into one of the ear’s semicircular canals. If the “crystals” are present in one of the semicircular canals, then a person’s ear may send a signal of motion to the brain, the person becomes dizzy for a brief period. The dizziness is typically associated with head movements, such as rolling over in bend, laying down, bending over, or tilting the head up.
BPPV is diagnosed by having a patient lay down on a table with their head in different positions and observing the eyes for a repetitive beating motion called nystagmus. Once BPPV is diagnosed, it may be treated in the office using repositioning maneuvers that allow the “crystals” to escape the semicircular canal and be reabsorbed into their place of origin. The treatments are effective in relieving symptoms for 85-95% of patients.
A VNG is a battery of tests that measures the function of the vestibular, or balance, system by recording the movements of the eyes using goggles containing a high-tech camera. Eye movements give clues on the function of the balance system. The VNG assesses both central vestibular pathways within the brain and also peripheral function of the inner ear’s balance system. VNG tests are typically ordered by ENT physicians and performed by Audiologists.
The VNG is composed of three major parts: eye tracking, positional testing, and a water task. During the eye tracking tests, the patient is instructed to hold their gaze in different directions and track moving lights on a screen. During positional testing, the eyes are observed as the patient sits and/or lays with their head in a variety of positions. During the water task, warm and cool water are ran in each ear canal for a brief time. The temperature of the water acts as a stimulus the inner ear—just as sound acts a stimulus to the ear during a hearing test—and the ear’s responses are reflected through eye movements.
Hearing Aids: There is a wide variety of different styles, and not one is appropriate for all people. We offer hearing aids that are in the ear, in the canal, behind the ear, or open fit. Together with your audiologist, you will be able to choose the hearing aid that is most appropriate for you based on your needs.
Ear plugs: Custom ear plugs are made for a number of different purposes:
