The ear structure includes separate organs for hearing and balance. These organs detect sound and internal information about posture and movement. The inner ear structures that impact balance make us aware of the head’s orientation and the head’s rotation and movement.

The brain combines information from the ear structures with information from the muscles, tendons, joints, and eyes, helping us to maintain our balance while moving in different ways. Sometimes, head injury, stroke, orthopaedic injuries, the effects of aging, or inner ear disorders cause dizziness and balance problems.

The Capital Hearing and Balance Center, a joint program of MedStar National Rehabilitation Network and the Capital Ear Group, offers comprehensive, state-of-the-art treatment for dizziness and balance problems. The Center is staffed by a board-certified physician and physical therapists, audiologists, and medical assistants specializing in the evaluation and treatment of disorders that cause dizziness, loss of balance, and falls.

Each patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation by a physician who specializes in dizziness and balance disorders, in conjunction with physical therapists, audiologists, or others. The patient’s condition also is assessed through vestibular and auditory tests, and an individualized medical and/or surgical plan is developed.

Persons needing vestibular rehabilitation may also benefit from the experience and expertise of NRH physical therapists. Vestibular rehabilitation through physical therapy helps many patients to increase their balance skills and to expand the scope of their daily activities with significantly reduced symptoms.