How Balance Really Works Balance depends on constant communication between the brain and several body systems. These include the inner ear, vision, and sensory feedback from muscles and joints. Together, they help the body stay upright, adjust posture, and move confidently through space. When one part of this system isn’t working as it should, the…
Read MoreJoin us in-person or online for our upcoming seminar! Both medical and audiological staff from our office will be presenting “Vestibular Migraine: A Common and Frequently Unrecognized Problem” on Tuesday March 31st. The event will take place at our office at 5:30pm, and will be livestreamed online for individuals who cannot attend in-person. During this…
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Introduction to Dizziness and Vertigo Dizziness and vertigo can feel like your world is spinning out of control—literally. These conditions affect balance, mobility, and daily life, leaving many disoriented and anxious. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), approximately 40% of adults in the U.S. experience dizziness or balance problems…
Read MoreWhat is the most common cause of dizziness? The most common cause of dizziness is benign paroxysmal position vertigo (BPPV) which affects, on average, 64 per 100,000 individuals within the United States. Also known as the “crystal problem”, BPPV is a mechanical disorder in which the small crystals in the inner ear fall into the…
Read MoreThis is a perfect time to raise awareness about the importance of hearing health and the role audiologists play in helping individuals maintain and improve their well-being. Hearing loss can affect anyone, regardless of age and it can greatly impact your quality of life. Audiologists are highly trained professionals who provide a range of services,…
Read MoreHello all! My name is Marcella Debenedictis and I’m a recent addition to our team of audiologists here at Jacksonville Hearing and Balance Institute. I am originally from New Jersey and I completed my Bachelors degree in Linguistics at Montclair State University. I completed my doctorate in audiology from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas and…
Read MoreJoin us and the Jacksonville Chapter of Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) this Saturday for their “Ask an Audiologist” event featuring our very own audiologist, Dr. Isabella Hillerby. She will cover answers to general questions regarding hearing loss and treatment to specific questions about amplification options and balance. Dr. Hillerby will also host a…
Read MoreThe organs responsible for hearing and balance are located in the same region of the body, as well as share the same neural connection to the brain. When there is an issue with one system, it is not uncommon for the other to be affected. We use information that we hear as a reference point…
Read MoreBilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) is damage to the vestibular system in the inner ear, which is part of the balance system. In BVP both sides are affected. Basically, it is a reduced or absent vestibular function on both sides, resulting from deficits in the labyrinths, vestibular nerves, or their combination. BVP is also known as bilateral…
Read MoreMal de Debarquement Syndrome is a disorder of the vestibular system that is not well understood. It is described as a phantom perception of self-motion. It is common to have a sense of motion, rocking, or swaying after exposure to prolonged episodes of passive motion. In normal individuals, that rocking or swaying perception may last…
Read MoreAccording to the National Center on Aging, 1 in 4 people over the age of 65 fall each year. Even more concerning, falls often result in hospitalization or nursing home stays, and are the top cause of fatal injury in aging adults. Up to 75% of falls occur in a person’s home, so it is…
Read MoreBenign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common inner ear problem that causes short episodes of sudden vertigo, or the sensation that the room is spinning. Some people also have symptoms of lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting that occur as well. BPPV episodes are typically very short, lasting only seconds to a few minutes. Symptoms of…
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