Audiology - Dizziness Assessment

What can I expect to happen at the appointment?

Your appointment will last about one hour. You will usually be asked to complete a questionnaire prior to your arrival, which you will need to bring with you to your first appointment, unless this has been completed during a previous phone call. Also please bring a list of your medications.

At your appointment we will ask you about your dizziness and other relevant medical history. We will then proceed with tests to look at your balance and possibly your hearing ability.

You will have an opportunity to ask any questions throughout the consultation and can ask to stop at any time. You may bring one other person to the appointment with you, and it is advisable not to drive immediately after the tests as you may feel a little unsteady.

What tests will be done?

You will have a range of tests which the practitioner will explain to you. This may include tests of hearing, eye movements, balance assessment and tests for dizziness in certain positions.

If you have been referred to Rochdale by your GP (not ENT) you may also have a test which involves wearing goggles to view your eye movements. This can help us measure your inner ear balance function. Please stop taking alcohol or any medication for dizziness for 48 hours before the test and do not wear any eye make-up or false eye lashes for the appointment. All these tests will help the practitioner identify any ear related causes for your dizziness.

What causes balance problems?

There are nerves running from the balance organ in the inner ear to the balance control centre in the brain along with various other inputs from the body. When all these inputs co-ordinate, balance is maintained. If there is a difference in these inputs, it is possible to experience a sensation of unsteadiness, dizziness or vertigo.

What can be done to help?

In the vast majority of cases, the symptoms do improve with time, as the brain learns to cope with the changes that have taken place. However, depending on your symptoms, you may benefit from rehabilitation exercises or the Epley manoeuvre.

Rehabilitation exercises

If the brain fails to naturally recover from an episode of dizziness, simple exercises can be given which aim to improve your symptoms. These exercises may initially make your dizziness seem slightly worse, but if you continue with them your dizziness symptoms may gradually improve. If exercises are appropriate the practitioner will arrange a programme that is tailored to your particular problem.

The Epley manoeuvre

Sometimes dizziness can be experienced when moving in certain positions, such as when looking up or down, lying down or rolling over in bed. This can be caused by loose particles triggering the sense organ in the inner part of the ear. If this is the cause of your dizziness, a simple but effective manoeuvre of the head undertaken by the practitioner can correct the problem.

What happens next?

The practitioner will discuss any test results with you and the options you have. We do not undertake any treatment or arrange ongoing management without your informed consent.

The practitioner who referred you to the service will be informed of the outcome of your appointment.

If you have any questions about this appointment, please contact the Audiology Department on the number at the end of this leaflet.

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Additional information:

• We accept calls from Relay formally known as Type talk
• Please contact the department in advance if an interpreter is required
• We are an accredited training centre, and it is possible that a student may undertake some aspects of the appointment under supervision
• There is limited availability for parking
• If you would like any further information or have any special requirements, please contact the department using the details above

Contact us

Bury, Rochdale and Oldham Audiology Service, Floor One, Nye Bevan House, Maclure Road, Rochdale, OL11 1DN

Telephone: 0161 206 1438
Email: NESaudiology@nca.nhs.uk

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