Moffitt & Mesaros ENT Associates

Balance and dizziness issues are a common problem for most age groups. There are many possible causes of balance disorders. Sometimes other health issues are mistaken for a balance or dizziness disorder until a patient is properly evaluated. Vision, blood pressure and hydration are a few of the health issues that can cause symptoms similar to those of true balance and dizziness.

Our providers evaluate and treat many patients for balance and dizziness. Your general health and history are important in the diagnosis of a balance or dizziness disorder. The frequency, duration and sensation of spinning (vertigo) that a patient describes helps the provider to determine if your symptoms warrant formal testing.

The current standard for testing the body’s balance system is called the VNG test. This abbreviation stands for videonystagmography. Typically, a test takes less than 45 minutes. Patients are sometimes anxious about being tested but it is a simple process for the patient. Goggles are worn by the patient to monitor eye movement. Dizziness creates eye movement called nystagmus. During the test, the patient is seated and lying down at different stages of evaluation and eye movements are continually monitored. The final stage of the test stimulates dizziness but any dizziness created by the testing stops immediately afterwards in a few seconds. After the test is completed your provider receives the results and makes recommendations.

Some balance problems are easily corrected while others require additional testing and/ or treatment. If you are experiencing dizziness or balance concerns it is advisable to consult with your family doctor first and they will determine if referral to our office is necessary.

At MMMent, our commitment revolves around delivering top-tier, patient-centered care, placing a strong emphasis on quality. Donald Short, an experienced audiologist with a remarkable 30-year tenure, has been an integral part of MMM ENT since 2005. He holds a Master's degree in Audiology from The University of Pittsburgh. In addition to his expertise in dispensing hearing aids and conducting hearing tests, Donald specializes in performing balance testing, specifically VideoNystagmography (VNGs), right here in our office. Schedule your appointment today for comprehensive care and expert evaluation of balance disorders.

At MMM ENT, we strive to provide patient-centered care of the utmost quality to our patients. If you have not had your hearing evaluated, or suspect you may have hearing loss, call us today to schedule an appointment.

An audiologist is a professional who is university trained and licensed to diagnose and treat hearing loss and balance disorders. It is important to get a baseline hearing test and have your hearing checked routinely. A regular examination can not only help to identify potential problems, but it can allow us to track changes in the auditory system over time. Hearing loss has been linked to things like falls, social isolation, and cognitive issues such as dementia. A routine test allows us to begin treatment sooner if appropriate, which can potentially prevent further damage. Common signs that you need an audiological evaluation include asking people to repeat themselves, difficulty understanding speech in background noise such as in a restaurant or in a group of people, increasing tv volume, and hearing ringing in your ears. A regular hearing exam will evaluate all parts of the ear. The audiologist will look inside the ear to see if there is wax, fluid, or infection. A test of the middle ear is performed to determine how well sound is able to transmit to the inner ear. This gives us information about the eardrum, the middle ear space, and the bones of the middle ear. The audiologist will then ask you to identify the softest sound you can hear at certain pitches. We will also ask you to repeat a series of words to determine how well you can understand speech.

Here at Moffitt, & Mesaros ENT Associates we have two audiologists that provide services to patients every day. Donald Short has been a practicing audiologist for 30 years and has been with MMM ENT since 2005. He obtained his Master’s degree in Audiology from The University of Pittsburgh. Nicole Kendig received her Doctorate of Audiology from Towson University in 2017. She has worked in both private audiology practices and ENT settings and has been with MMM ENT since 2021. Our audiologists provide audiological evaluations, balance testing, and hearing aid services. We also offer swim molds and custom hearing protection.

At MMM ENT, we strive to provide patient-centered care of the utmost quality to our patients. If you have not had your hearing evaluated, or suspect you may have hearing loss, call us today to schedule an appointment.