Finding Your Feet: When to Seek a Vestibular and Balance Test in Braddon

Have you ever stood up and felt like the room was tilting? Or perhaps you’ve experienced a sudden, violent spin while simply rolling over in bed? Dizziness isn’t just a “minor annoyance”—it is your body’s way of signaling that your internal “spirit level” is out of sync.

At Candid Hearing in Braddon, we see many patients who have spent months feeling “off-balance,” unsure if they should see a GP, an optometrist, or an audiologist. If you’re struggling with unsteadiness, here is everything you need to know about when to go for a vestibular and balance test.

What Exactly is a Vestibular Test?

The vestibular system is a complex network in your inner ear that controls your balance and spatial orientation. Unlike a standard hearing test, a vestibular and balance assessment uses specialized technology—like infrared goggles (VNG) and motion sensors—to track how your eyes and brain respond to movement.

The goal is simple: to find out if your dizziness is coming from your inner ear (peripheral), your brain (central), or another source entirely.

5 Signs It’s Time for a Balance Assessment

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s time to book a consultation at our Braddon clinic:

1. The World is Spinning (Vertigo)

True vertigo is the sensation of movement when you are perfectly still. If you feel like the room is rotating or you are being “pushed” to one side, this is a classic sign of a vestibular issue like BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo).

2. Frequent Falls or “Near Misses”

Are you constantly reaching for walls or furniture to steady yourself? Unexplained stumbles, especially in low light or on uneven surfaces like grass, suggest that your balance organs aren’t communicating correctly with your brain.

3. Nausea Linked to Head Movement

If tilting your head back to look at a high shelf or bending down to tie your shoes makes you feel sick or lightheaded, your vestibular system may be over-responding to change.

4. Vision Blurs When You Move

Do you find it hard to focus on signs or faces while walking? This is often related to the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR), which stabilizes your vision. If this reflex is sluggish, the world can look “jumpy” or blurred.

5. Ear Fullness and Ringing (Tinnitus)

Dizziness combined with a feeling of pressure in the ear or a buzzing sound can be a red flag for Meniere’s Disease. Identifying this early is crucial for long-term hearing and balance management.

Why Choose Candid Hearing in Braddon?

Located in the heart of Braddon, ACT, Candid Hearing provides a supportive, professional environment for those dealing with the debilitating effects of dizziness.

• Comprehensive Testing: We use advanced diagnostic tools like Videonystagmography (VNG) and Video Head Impulse Testing (vHIT).

• Root Cause Analysis: We don’t just treat the symptoms; we identify the underlying cause to help your GP or specialist create an effective treatment plan.

• Convenience: Our Northbourne Avenue location is easily accessible for residents across Canberra.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

A vestibular test is non-invasive and typically takes between 60 to 90 minutes. You’ll wear a pair of lightweight goggles that record your eye movements while you follow light targets or move into different positions.

Pro Tip: Because some tests can briefly trigger your symptoms, we recommend having a friend or family member drive you to and from our Braddon clinic.

Take the First Step Toward Stability

Dizziness shouldn’t run your life. Whether it’s a recent “dizzy spell” or a chronic feeling of being “on a boat,” getting the right data is the first step toward feeling like yourself again.

Ready to find your balance? Contact Candid Hearing today to book your vestibular and balance assessment.