Vestibular & Balance Testing
Gold Coast’s Dizziness & Balance Specialists
Providing Comprehensive Vestibular Assessments & Management
Understanding Your Dizziness
Dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness are commonly linked to problems within the vestibular system—the intricate balance organs located inside the inner ear. When these organs send conflicting signals to your brain, it can cause severe discomfort, disorientation, or a spinning sensation. A comprehensive vestibular assessment is essential for pinpointing the root cause of these issues so we can restore your stability and confidence.
Vertigo
Vertigo feels like false sensation of movement, where you feel like you or your surroundings are spinning, tilting, or swaying when there is no actual motion. It is frequently triggered by specific head movements and can be accompanied by nausea, sweating, or difficulty walking. The most common cause is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), which occurs when tiny calcium crystals shift out of place inside your inner ear.
Dizziness & Imbalance
Unlike vertigo, general dizziness and unsteadiness might feel like light headedness, floating, or a general lack of balance. These symptoms can stem from various inner ear conditions, post-viral vestibular neuritis, or age-related changes in your balance pathways. It can cause both a physical and emotional response, significantly impacting your daily mobility and independence.
Common Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders
You may benefit from a dizziness and balance assessment if you experience:
- Vertigo or spinning sensations
- Unsteadiness when walking
- Loss of balance or frequent falls
- Motion sickness or motion sensitivity
- Dizziness when changing position
- Difficulty focusing your vision during movement
- Feeling disoriented in busy environments
- Persistent light-headedness or floating sensations
How Are Dizziness & Balance Issues Assessed?
Evaluating your balance system requires a dedicated approach that combines a detailed clinical history with specialised physical and diagnostic testing. Our audiologists have completed advanced training in vestibular audiology to accurately evaluate how your inner ears, eyes, and brain work together to maintain stability. Coastal Audiology welcomes patients of all ages, ensuring complex testing is performed with total care, patience, and comfort.
The initial appointment is completed over 2 hours, providing time to assess your hearing, explore your symptoms, their triggers, and how they impact your day-to-day life.
Comprehensive Hearing Assessment
Because hearing and balance organs work closely together within the inner ear, a complete hearing evaluation is performed.
We’ll discuss your concerns, medical history, lifestyle, and any situations where you find it difficult.
Vestibular & Balance Testing
A range of specialised balance assessments may be completed to evaluate how your vestibular system is functioning.
These assessments provide valuable information about how your brain, eyes, and inner ears work together to maintain balance.
Results Interpretation & Diagnosis
Following testing, your audiologist will explain the findings in clear, easy-to-understand language.
Our goal is to provide answers, reduce uncertainty, and help you move forward with confidence.
Personalised Management Plan
You will receive a detailed written report outlining the assessment findings.
Where appropriate, we will collaborate with your GP, ENT specialist, neurologist, physiotherapist, or other healthcare providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a vestibular assessment take?
The advanced vestibular function tests (VFT’s) take up to two hours.
Is a vestibulat test painful?
Testing is non-invasive, though some tests are designed to briefly provoke mild dizziness — this is a normal part of the assessment, and any sensations settle quickly.
Do I need a referral?
You will require a referral requesting hearing and balance assessment signed by your GP or specialist to ensure we can process your Medicare claim.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring any previous hearing test results, a list of current medications, and your Medicare card or private health insurance details if applicable.
