Invisible Balance Disorders Affect Millions

ASHA Joins National Effort To “Make Vestibular Visible” for September Awareness Week

Rockville, Md., Sept. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Balance disorders are common, often disabling, and frequently misunderstood and misdiagnosed. However, when they are identified accurately, they are also highly treatable. That’s why the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is partnering with the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) for Balance Awareness Week, which will take place September 13–19, 2026.

A national campaign led by VeDA, Balance Awareness Week shines a spotlight on vestibular disorders—chronic conditions that impact the body’s balance system. These disorders affect the inner ear and brain, causing symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, and spatial disorientation.

Because the symptoms of balance disorders can be highly variable and may mimic other medical conditions, these disorders are frequently overlooked, dismissed, or attributed to other health issues. Often, an underlying medical issue causes balance problems. These realities can delay proper care and worsen a person’s condition.

“Balance disorders can significantly disrupt a person’s life,” said 2026 ASHA President Linda I. Rosa-Lugo, EdD, CCC-SLP, ASHA Fellow. “The effects are compounded by the fact that these disorders are generally invisible to, and often minimized by, others. Through our partnership with VeDA, we hope to improve public awareness, increase compassion and understanding, and connect more people with care from audiologists and other professionals who can make a meaningful difference.”

How Common Are Balance Disorders?
Approximately 36.8 million adults in the United States report experiencing dizziness or balance problems within a 12-month period. Certain medications, inner ear problems, and other medical conditions—such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease—can cause balance problems. These balance problems, in turn, can lead to falls—the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults.

Although more prevalent among adults, balance disorders also occur in children. About 5% of children in the United States have experienced dizziness or balance problems in the past year. Ear infections are a primary cause of these issues. Children who have had three or more ear infections in 1 year have more than double the rate of dizziness and balance problems than do children who have had fewer ear infections.

How Are These Disorders Diagnosed and Treated?
Additional symptoms of balance disorders may include headaches, motion sickness, nausea, and vision problems. If a child or an adult is experiencing symptoms, it’s important that they see a doctor. In some cases, the  doctor may refer them to an audiologist for balance testing.

Balance testing evaluates a person’s vestibular system to identify the root cause of any problems. Based on test results, an audiologist can make recommendations for treatment.

Treatment may include surgery, medications, and/or vestibular rehabilitation—an individualized balance-retraining exercise program. The individual undergoes rehabilitation to decrease dizziness and to improve balance, functional activities, and quality of life. Vestibular rehabilitation can be delivered by a variety of health care professionals—including audiologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. These providers may offer balance training, customized rehabilitation programs, and interventions designed to reduce fall risk and improve stability.

To learn more about Balance Awareness Week, visit vestibular.org/BAW.

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About the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for 247,000 members, certificate holders, and affiliates who are audiologists; speech-language pathologists; speech, language, and hearing scientists; audiology and speech-language pathology assistants; and students. Audiologists specialize in preventing and assessing hearing and balance disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment, including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) identify, assess, and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders. www.asha.org

About VeDA
The Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) is the leading international organization providing education, support, and advocacy for people affected by vestibular (inner ear and brain) disorders. VeDA connects patients to trustworthy health information and specialists while working to raise awareness through advocacy and storytelling.

Contact Info

Francine Pierson
fpierson@asha.org
+1 301-296-8715