Brady Workman

Third mobile window syndromes (TMWS) are a relatively recent discovery but are an increasingly recognized pathology in otology. The hearing function of the human ear works by the pinna and the external auditory canal funneling sound to the eardrum. The eardrum vibrates once stimulated with the sound waves and moves the middle ear bones called the ossicles. The ossicles then

We have completed skull vibration testing as part of our clinical protocol for several years and have found it to be a helpful cross check measure for detecting peripheral (inner ear) vestibular abnormalities. It is important to note that we use skull vibration as a part of our test battery and not as an isolated measure. In general, abnormal skull

Editors Note: This is a coauthored case report with one of our Audiology Doctoral Externs Jordan Hennessee. Jordan is a 4th year Doctor of Audiology Extern at Wake Forest Baptist Health.  Her interests include working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, pediatric audiology, vestibular audiology, cochlear implants, and adult hearing diagnostics. Jordan is currently enrolled at Salus University’s Osborne College

The vestibular system has two primary roles: to provide visual stability during head movements and to assist with postural control. The peripheral (inner ear) vestibular system is able to do this with three semicircular canals (angular sensors) and two otolith organs (linear sensors) on each side. The information coded by these organs is transmitted to the brain and either sent

The vestibular system (inner ear and brain pathways) has a primary role of providing visual stability associated with head movement through the vestibular ocular reflex (VOR). The VOR is able to provide visual stability by causing the eyes to move in the opposite direction of a head turn or head tilt. For instance, if a head is turned right, the

It is widely accepted that BPPV is the most common peripheral vestibular disorder (inner ear) and it is the most common reason anyone would experience episodic brief vertigo. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo BPPV is an inner ear disorder where otoconia (inner ear crystals) migrate into the semicircular canals (head turn sensors), which results in episodes of recurrent brief vertigo associated

Recently we discussed multi-sensory dizziness and imbalance, reviewing how balance is maintained, as well as some of the more common falls risk factors encountered. A common risk factor for falls that was not discussed and is overlooked by many is hearing loss. Hearing loss is prevalent, with around 15% of American adults reporting hearing difficulty. This is even more prevalent

The ability to maintain equilibrium is essential for survival and as such is redundant, relying on our senses of touch, vision, and the vestibular system (inner ear). This redundancy ensures that if one sense is not functioning properly, the others can take over to ensure we maintain an upright posture. Because the brain interprets this sensory information, a properly functioning

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has changed society as we know it. We have social distancing requirements and stay at home in orders in place. This is a new world that none of us are accustomed to. This virus is now widespread, contagious, and has the capability of causing a multitude of unusual symptoms. Most of us are aware of the

It’s been two years since I discussed the skull vibration induced nystagmus test (SVINT) in the post Skull Vibration Induced Nystagmus Test: shaking up vestibular assessment?. Since that time, we have implemented skull vibration as a part of our regular vestibular assessment protocol. We currently utilize the North Coast Medical NC 70209 vibrator that is mentioned in the article The