Comprehensive Balance Testing

CT scan

(Vero Beach Only)

At Treasure Coast Audiology, we are not only your trusted partner in hearing but also in identifying balance disorders. Our commitment to your well-being goes beyond just hearing health. We are proud to offer comprehensive balance testing using state-of-the-art equipment and procedures at our Vero Beach location.

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    What Sets Us Apart

    At Treasure Coast Audiology, we stand out as a leader in balance testing for one significant reason – our dedication to excellence. We are proud to be the only facility in Indian River County recognized as an American Institute of Balance (AIB) certified diagnostic testing facility. Moreover, we are honored to be an AIB Center for Specialty Care, highlighting our expertise in the field of balance and vestibular disorders. The  American Institute of Balance (AIB) is located in Largo, FL.  AIB is one of the country’s best-known diagnostic, treatment and educational facilities specializing in equilibrium disorders. The Institute is widely recognized for providing practitioners with the most current clinical and scientific breakthroughs in treatments.  We are proud to announce that AIB has qualified us as a Center of Specialty Care!
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    Understanding Dizziness, Vertigo & Imbalance

    Did you know…

    • According to the National Institute of Health, dizziness or loss of balance will affect 90 million Americans sometime during their lifetime.
    • Dizziness is the number one complaint reported to medical providers in adults 70 years of age or older.
    • Balance-related falls account for more than one-half of accidental deaths in the elderly.
    • Balance-related falls cause over 300,000 hip fractures in individuals over 65 years of age.
    • Inner ear disorders or ear infections can result in imbalance and vertigo affecting a person’s ability to walk, roll over in bed, see or think clearly, or to read or watch television.
    • Many times disorders of the inner ear are misdiagnosed as a more severe neurological condition such as multiple sclerosis or as clinical depression.
    • Inner ear disturbances account for 85% of dizzy disorders.
    • Children can also be affected by inner ear disorders and are sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as learning disabled, dyslexic, or psychologically disturbed.
    • Illness, infections, disease, head injuries and whiplash are frequent causes of imbalance, dizziness, and vertigo.
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    Balance and the Vestibular System

    The medical term for the part of the inner ear involved with balance is called the vestibular system. The vestibular system is an organ located within the inner ear which relays information to the brain about balance and orientation of the head and body.  Balance is a complex interaction which requires input from our vestibular system, in addition to our vision and the sensation from our feet, muscles, and joints. If any one of these systems are not working properly, you could suffer loss of balance.
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    Balance Disorders

    Balance disorders fall into two main categories:

    The first is dizziness, vertigo, or motion intolerance.  This condition may be caused or worsened by rapid head movement, turning too quickly, walking, or riding in a car.  These symptoms can be acute or sharp attacks lasting for seconds or sometimes for several hours.

    The second is a persistent sense of imbalance or unsteadiness.  Some people refer to this as a loss of surefootedness.  There can be many causes of dizziness and imbalance, with the largest percentage coming from the vestibular system. 

    A balance disorder may be caused by viral or bacterial infections in the ear, a head injury, or blood circulation disorders that affect the inner ear or brain. Many people experience problems with their sense of balance as they get older. Balance problems and dizziness can result from taking certain medications. However, many balance disorders can begin all of a sudden and with no obvious cause. Your physician may have referred you to our clinic as the balance experts who will help in the process of determining possible causes and best treatment options.
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    Neurodiagnostic Testing

    The inner ear is home to the hearing and balance centers.  The receptors within the ear allow signals to be received and processed by a variety of locations within the central nervous system and the brain.  Unlike imaging studies which show only the anatomy or structures, this family of tests allows your doctor to better understand how the system is working and where a problem may arise.

    Depending on your condition, your physician may recommend evaluation of your hearing and/or balance system, as they are all part of the inner ear.  All testing is easy, comfortable and uses advanced technology.

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    Why Choose Treasure Coast Audiology for Balance Testing

    1. Expertise: Our team  is highly trained and experienced in diagnosing and treating balance disorders. As an AIB-certified facility, we adhere to the highest standards of care.
    2. Cutting-Edge Technology: We utilize the latest equipment and procedures to ensure the most accurate and effective testing and diagnosis.
    3. Personalized Care: We understand that balance issues are unique to each individual. Our approach is tailored to your specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcome.
    4. Comprehensive Solutions: Our comprehensive balance testing leads to accurate diagnoses, allowing us to recommend the most appropriate treatments to improve your balance and quality of life.
    5. Restoring Confidence: We are dedicated to helping you regain your confidence and independence in your daily activities by addressing your balance concerns.
    If you or a loved one is experiencing balance issues, don't hesitate to contact us at Treasure Coast Audiology. Our comprehensive balance testing services, combined with our commitment to your well-being, make us the top choice for all your balance and vestibular needs. 
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    Patient Testimonials

    Robert Stoll
    Robert Stoll
    2023-04-29
    I took my stepfather there gor his appointment to get his and he was able to get in early.
    Jim Herdeman
    Jim Herdeman
    2023-01-20
    Dr. Hackney and her staff are outstanding!! She’s worked with me for > 5 years and has provided stellar support, service, and help. If you need assistance in dealing with hearing loss, GO SEE HER AND HER TEAM!
    Barbara Hazard
    Barbara Hazard
    2022-11-04
    I have rather serious hearing loss, which presents a challenge to any audiologist trying to fit me with hearing aids. I’ve been going to Dr. Hackney now for many years and simply cannot speak highly enough of her tireless efforts, and success, in helping me achieve the best hearing possible. I have, and continue to, highly recommend Dr. Hackney and her staff.
    Judy
    Judy
    2022-08-17
    Dr. Hackney and her assistant Heather have worked with my family members, my husband and many friends and we have all found them warm, friendly, professional and very knowledgeable. We have always been able to get help when we call whether it be a quick reset or a factory return. We cannot say enough about the quality of service we all have received from Dr. Hackney at Treasure Coast Audiology. We highly recommend them for all your hearing needs!
    E Scott
    E Scott
    2021-04-20
    I lost hearing early in life and have seen plenty of audiologists over the past 25 years. Dr. Hackney has been great - I've been very pleased with the hearing aids and service she's provided. In addition, Dr. Hackney's staff are truly a pleasure. They're remarkably warm, engaging, professional, and efficient. It's over an hour drive for me to get to Treasure Coast Audiology, but it's worth it!
    Larry Green
    Larry Green
    2018-01-08
    Dr. Hackney has given me my hearing back! Her caring and patient disposition is amazing. Not only was the initial visit fabulous, whenever I have an issue, whether it be batteries or a quick adjustment, her office responds quickly and in a timely fashion. They usually are able to see me that day. I would wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Hackney to anyone in need of hearing devices. Dr. Hackney and her staff are wonderful and meet my every need as a hearing impaired client. THANK YOU.
    Lee Coons
    Lee Coons
    2017-11-11
    Absolutely the best!!! Dr. Hackney;s experience and insight led to diagnosis of a benign tumor on the acoustic nerve in my right ear. I will be forever indebted to her for her help. In addition to this, I received outstanding professional and courteous service in the fitting for state of the art hearing aids. It doesn't stop there, the follow up service by Dr. Hackney and Heather Snell was beyond my greatest expectations. Highly recommended, wonderful service by wonderful people.
    Marco Stiner
    Marco Stiner
    2016-12-16
    Unbelievable caring and service!! The two operators (both named "Heather"!) at Treasure Coast Audiology have been like sisters to me. when I needed a new hearing solution they were the ONLY Audiology group on the Treasure Coast to consider my situation and work with me to find a true solution. The other NINE calls I made simply wanted to sell me their most outrageously priced hearing aids and did not care what lie they had to tell me in order to get me through their door to close me. This includes Doctors, Franchise locations etc. I unconditionally recommend Heather Hackney, her expertise, caring and generosity.