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Dizziness

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It's common to sometimes feel dizzy, lightheaded or off-balance, and it's not usually serious. See a GP if you're worried.

Your GP may refer you to Audiology to investigate and treat balance conditions.   

Audiology specialises in balance difficulties that are due to problems in the inner ear – the vestibular system.  The vestibular system is comprised of the saccule, utricle, and 3 semicircular canals (horizontal, anterior and posterior). 

Audiology professionals are involved in helping to diagnose problems with the vestibular system.  Assessment of this system usually involves detailed discussions around symptoms, functional impact and medical history, and testing of balance function.  The tests performed depend on individual symptoms but can often include recording eye movements whilst performing various tasks (because of the close connection between the eyes and the vestibular system), positional testing, and tests of postural function. 

Audiology professionals can also be involved in the treatment of various balance conditions which may involve performing manoeuvres, or setting exercises programmes (Vestibular Rehabilitation) for specific balance conditions.  They also often work closely with other professionals in diagnosis and  treatment of balance problems such as ENT specialists, Audiovestibular physicians, physiotherapists, neurologists and falls teams. 

Further Information about NHS Audiology services available in your area can be found by accessing your local Health Board Website below.

Aneurin Bevan Health Board is responsible for NHS services in:

Blaenau Gwent
Caerphilly
Monmouthshire
Newport
Torfaen

Further information about the NHS Audiology services in these areas can be found on the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Website.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is responsible for NHS services in:

Anglesey
Gwynedd
Conwy
Denbighshire
Flintshire
Wrexham

Further information about the NHS Audiology services in these areas can be found on the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Website.

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is responsible for NHS services in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. 

Further information about the NHS Audiology services in these areas can be found on the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Website.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board is responsible for NHS services in:

Bridgend
Merthyr Tydfil
Rhondda Cynon Taf

Further information about the NHS Audiology services in these areas can be found on the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board website.

Hywel Dda University Health Board is responsible for NHS services in:

Carmarthenshire
Ceredigion
Pembrokeshire

Further information about the NHS Audiology services in these areas can be found on the Hywel Dda University Health Board Website.

Powys Teaching Health Board is responsible for NHS services in Powys. Further information about the NHS Audiology services in this area can be found on the Powys Teaching Health Board Website.

Swansea Bay University Health Board is responsible for NHS services in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, as well as some specialist regional services. Further information about the NHS Audiology services in these areas can be found on the Swansea Bay University Health Board Website.