Balance is something most of us take for granted. We stand up or walk without a thought as they are such natural everyday actions.

We tend not to think about our balance – until we lose it. About 40% of people in the UK over the age of 40 experience symptoms of dizziness and/or imbalance at some time and these symptoms of vertigo can be very debilitating.

Many of us may have had the odd moment when we felt dizzy or suffered from motion sickness. This can momentarily make us lose our ability to balance.

Normally it lasts just a few seconds before righting itself. But for many people who suffer from a problem with their balance this largely invisible condition causes debilitating symptoms.

Balance Awareness Week

It can come on gradually or suddenly, but these bouts of dizziness, vertigo and nausea can make many routine tasks virtually impossible.

For those living with a vestibular condition, everyday life becomes a progressively difficult obstacle course.

That’s why Balance Awareness Week was created by the Vestibular Disorders Association in 1997 and this year’s event in the UK runs from September 19-25.

The vestibular system in our ears is responsible for maintaining balance and posture. The body’s balance system works by co-ordinating information in the brain for the three senses used for balance. These are the eyes, the balance organ in the inner ear and the body’s internal sense of balance.

Diagnostic tests

When someone suffers from dizziness it means the brain has not been able to co-ordinate the information from the balance senses properly.

If you are having problems with balance, vertigo or dizziness then get in touch with us.

We offer a range of diagnostic tests to help your consultant manage your balance disorder. We also work closely with physiotherapists at some of our key hospital locations, delivering programmes of diagnosis and treatment to help you recover quickly and effectively from episodes of imbalance. Find out more here.

The Ménière’s Society, which backs Balance Awareness Week, is the leading charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people with vestibular (inner ear) disorders causing dizziness and imbalance.  Read more here.

Contact us on 0800 028 6179 or email admin@hearbase.com to find out how we can help with your balance problems