Learn how to get a balance assessment and a BalanceBelt trial here.
Patient Journey
Redefining your path to balance and freedom
Are you experiencing severe balance issues that affect your balance and mobility? Many people experience the warning signs and symptoms of a balance disorder, but they are either misdiagnosed or do not recognise the symptoms. We know it can be challenging to find answers to your balance-related questions and to find a suitable solution.
You or a close relative may be suffering from a severe balance disorder that you are unaware of or are unsure how to treat. Follow the steps below to better understand your condition and obtain a BalanceBelt. By the end, you will have taken steps towards your freedom and will be living your life to the fullest.
Questionnaire
Answer the next questions to assess the state of your balance:
- When you are still, does it feel like everything is moving?
- Do you experience unbalance when sitting or lying down?
- Do you frequently feel unsteady?
- Have you experienced falls over the past six months?
- Do you suffer from imbalance?
- Do you feel dizzy, lightheaded or like you are about to faint?
- Do you have blurry vision?
If the answer is yes to one or more questions, your balance, or the balance of your relative might be at risk.
We therefore advise you to follow the steps below to learn more about balance issues, get a balance assessment, and obtain a qualification to acquire a BalanceBelt.
1. Get more information on balance disorders
You can learn more about the various types of balance disorders now that you are aware that you or a close relative may have one.
Learn more about bilateral vestibular loss or hypofunction and about the impact of the BalanceBelt through our resources:
- Download our patient brochure here.
- Read the BalanceBelt stories to learn more about the BalanceBelt’s positive impact on the daily lives of users and healthcare professionals.
- See the impact of the BalanceBelt for yourself in this video:
Types of severe balance disorders:
- Severe or complete bilateral vestibular loss (BVL)
- Unilateral vestibular loss
- Bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH)
Causes of bilateral vestibular loss:
The most common causes of bilateral vestibular loss are unknown, though age-related neuronal and sensory hair cell loss are well-known. Other causes include genetics, meningitis, ototoxicity from gentamicin or aminoglycoside treatment, autoimmune inner ear disease, and rarer conditions.
Clinical indication for use of BalanceBelt:
In previous clinical studies, the BalanceBelt has demonstrated positive outcomes for patients with severe bilateral vestibular loss. We are currently taking part in clinical trials to research the use and efficacy for other conditions. Patients with other balance disorders may benefit from the BalanceBelt, depending on the severity of their condition and the presence of other comorbidities.
2. Taking action on your balance issue
You now have a better understanding of balance disorders, their causes, symptoms, and potential treatments. Here is what you should do:
Request a referral from your primary care physician to a Balance Clinic or your ENT doctor. They will help you get a screening, a physical exam, and a balance assessment. As part of the evaluation, you will take a few tests, including rotary chair testing, caloric testing, and vHIT test (video head impulse test).
Remember to be patient and help your doctors, family and friends understand this condition. If a close relative has a balance disorder, remember to be sympathetic and supportive.
3. Results assessment and treatment
Healthcare professionals will evaluate the results of your balance test. Depending on your condition, you may require additional testing.
Based on the outcome of your tests, you will obtain an official diagnosis. then, you together with your doctor can decide what type of treatment and management is best for you. Here, a vestibular specialist can inform you of the next steps to take and of your potential eligibility for a BalanceBelt trial. Follow step 4 to obtain a 14-day trial of the BalanceBelt.
4. Trial and purchase of the BalanceBelt
Follow the next steps to get a 14-day trial and to purchase the BalanceBelt:
- Please measure your waist size prior to the trial. This way, you will get a BalanceBelt that’s the right size for you, ensuring proper body contact.
- You will be asked to fill out questionnaires about your current mobility status and daily activities at the balance clinic (including your balance history and potential falls). Instructions on how to use, calibrate, and charge the BalanceBelt will also be provided.
- You can now test the belt in the clinic, where you will be asked to complete specific tasks while wearing the belt under the supervision of your vestibular specialist.
- After ensuring that you are comfortable wearing the belt, you will borrow it for a two-week trial at home under normal everyday conditions, going about your daily activities, both indoors and outdoors. This ensures that your body will adjust to the feedback from the belt.
- You will return to the clinic in two weeks to analyse the results of your trial. Your clinician may ask you to repeat some tasks so that they can be compared to your previous performance. The clinical evaluation will determine the trial’s outcome.
- If your evaluation is favourable, you can now buy the BalanceBelt directly from us here, through one of our local business partners, or through your health insurance.
