Balance Testing in Saskatoon for Dizziness & Vertigo
Are you experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or a persistent feeling of being off-balance? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to just live with it.
At SoundEar Audiology in Saskatoon, our Clinical Audiologist Puru Ganesan offers comprehensive balance testing to find the root cause of your symptoms and help you feel steady and confident again.
What Is Causing Your Dizziness?
Dizziness and balance problems have many causes, and the inner ear is responsible for a surprisingly large number of them. Because the vestibular system — the part of your inner ear that controls balance — is so closely connected to your hearing system, audiologists are often the first and most effective professionals to see when you’re experiencing these symptoms.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo in Saskatoon and across Canada. It happens when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged. The result is brief, intense spinning sensations triggered by certain head movements — like rolling over in bed, looking up, or bending forward. The good news: BPPV is very treatable, often in a single appointment.
Menière’s Disease
Menière’s disease causes sudden, severe episodes of vertigo that can last anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours, often accompanied by ringing in the ears (tinnitus), ear fullness, and fluctuating hearing loss. A proper diagnosis and management plan can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of episodes.
Vestibular Neuritis & Labyrinthitis
These conditions involve inflammation of the inner ear, usually triggered by a viral infection. They can cause sudden, intense dizziness and a general feeling of imbalance that may persist for weeks. Proper diagnosis and vestibular rehabilitation can speed recovery.
Vestibular Migraine
Vestibular migraine is a type of migraine causing episodes of dizziness and imbalance often triggered by sensory inputs and can occur with or without headaches. Proper diagnosis and medication can reduce the incidence of these episodes.
Age-Related Balance Changes
As we age, the sensitivity of the inner ear’s balance sensors naturally decreases. Combined with changes in vision and muscle function, this can lead to unsteadiness and an increased risk of falls. Balance assessment can identify where the breakdown is occurring and guide treatment.
Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)
This is a long-lasting condition in which there is a state of imbalance characterized by non-spinning vertigo, swaying or rocking sensations present on most days. It worsens in visually complex situations like busy environments, while walking, or when focusing on moving objects. This develops after an inner ear problem, migraine or concussions. With proper diagnosis and management, the effect of dizziness can be minimized.
Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence (SSCD)
This is a condition characterized by sound and pressure induced vertigo and is caused by the absence of a small part of a bone in the balance system of the ear. This can only be diagnosed by a complete hearing evaluation as it also causes hearing loss. Once diagnosed, a referral is made to a specialist for further management.
Hearing Loss and Balance
Your risk of falling increases by 140% for every 10 decibels of hearing loss. Your ears pick up constant subtle environmental cues that help your brain orient your body in space. When hearing is compromised, that spatial information is reduced, and balance can suffer. This is why a full hearing evaluation is always part of our balance assessment.
What to Expect During a Balance Assessment at SoundEar Audiology
Our balance assessment is safe, non-invasive, and typically completed in an hour. Here’s what the process involves:
1. Dizziness & Symptom Questionnaire
We start with a detailed questionnaire about your specific symptoms — when dizziness occurs, what triggers it, how long it lasts, whether it’s accompanied by nausea or hearing changes, and how it impacts your daily life. This information is essential for narrowing down the cause.
2. Comprehensive Hearing Evaluation
We conduct a full audiological evaluation that measures your hearing thresholds, speech comprehension, eardrum mobility, and inner ear function. Small, unnoticed changes in hearing can be important clues pointing to the source of your balance problem.
3. Visual Tracking Test
This assessment tracks your eye movements as you follow a moving target. The eyes and inner ear are closely connected through the vestibulo-ocular reflex — how your eyes respond tells us a great deal about how your balance system is functioning.
4. Standing and Walking Tests
These functional tests assess how well your balance system works under real-world conditions — standing still, walking, turning, and managing different surfaces. The results help identify the type and severity of any balance disorder present.
5. Dix-Hallpike Test
This is a positional test done to diagnose BPPV, where you are made to lay on a couch and quickly put in the trigger position to see if it causes dizziness. Any momentary dizziness caused will quickly dissipate.
After Your Assessment
Once your tests are complete, we’ll review the results with you and discuss your options. For conditions within our scope of practice, we’ll create a management plan — which may include repositioning procedures for BPPV or vestibular rehabilitation guidance. For complex cases, we provide referrals to the appropriate specialists (ENT, neurologist) so you get exactly the right care.
Signs You Should Book a Balance Assessment
You may benefit from balance testing if you experience any of the following:
There are several early signs of hearing loss:
- Spinning sensations (vertigo) that come on suddenly or with head movememnt
- A feeling of being ‘off’ or unsteady on your feet
- Unexplained dizziness that comes and goes
- Nausea or disorientation when moving your head
- Difficulty walking in a straight line, especially in the dark
- Feeling like the room is moving when you’re still
- Dizziness accompanied by ringing in your ears or changes in hearing
- A history of falls or near-falls without an obvious explanation
- Dizziness that has been investigated by a doctor without a clear diagnosis
Many people with these symptoms are told ‘it’s just dizziness’ or given medications to manage symptoms without ever finding the cause. A proper balance assessment can change that.
Why Choose SoundEar Audiology for Balance Testing in Saskatoon?
Experienced, trusted care
Audiologist Puru Ganesan has over 20 years of experience, with the last decade focused on serving Saskatoon and surrounding communities.
No referral needed
You can book a balance assessment directly — no physician referral is required to get started.
Comprehensive assessment, not just a quick check
We take the time to properly evaluate your balance system from multiple angles, so you leave with real answers.
Clear results and next steps
You’ll receive a plain-language explanation of your results and a clear plan — whether that means treatment here or an appropriate referral.
Locally owned and independent.
SoundEar Audiology is a locally owned, independent practice — not a franchise. You’ll see the same experienced audiologist every time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Balance Testing in Saskatoon
No. The tests are non-invasive and painless. Some tests may produce a brief, temporary feeling of dizziness, but this passes quickly and is part of how the test works.
Most assessments are completed in an hour.
No referral is required. You can call or text us directly to book.
Bring a list of any current medications, as some can affect balance and test results. Wear comfortable, flat-soled shoes. If your dizziness is severe, consider having someone drive you. Please also bring your health card to the appointment.
Coverage varies. We recommend calling your insurance provider ahead of time. We’re happy to help you navigate your benefits — just ask when you call.
We will always refer you to the right professional — whether that’s an ENT or a neurologist.
Serving Saskatoon and Surrounding Communities
SoundEar Audiology is conveniently located at 720 2nd Ave N, Saskatoon, SK S7K 2E1, with free on-site parking and full wheelchair accessibility. We serve patients from across Saskatoon and the surrounding area, including Warman, Martensville, Langham, Dundurn, Hepburn, and Waldheim.