About Us

Dizziness is the third most common reason that people go to see doctors. In patients over 65, it’s the most common reason. There are numerous causes of such conditions. While most are not life-threatening, the resulting problem can reduce one's quality of life. At least half of the overall U.S. population is affected by a balance or vestibular disorder sometime during their lives. Of all falls suffered by the elderly, 50% are the result of vestibular problems.

Dizziness still is most commonly dealt with by primary care physicians. Once your physician has ruled out more serious conditions such as strokes or certain heart problems, an appropriate treatment plan can be developed using the Hearing and Balance Center's diagnostic and treatment services.

The Hearing & Balance Center at Affiliated Community Medical Centers is a multidisciplinary program for the diagnosis and treatment of dizziness and imbalance disorders which may arise from the central or peripheral vestibular systems. The peripheral vestibular system is a portion of the inner ear involved in the maintenance of balance and gaze stability. The central vestibular system is located in the cerebellum or main balance center of the brain.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Treat Dizziness and Imbalance Disorders
ACMC’s Hearing & Balance Center utilizes a multidisciplinary team approach to diagnosing and treating dizziness and balance disorders. The specialties of otolaryngology (ENT), audiology and physical therapy have joined forces to determine the patient’s source of the dizziness or balance problem, and then develop the best treatment plan. Their comprehensive, coordinated care, the most sophisticated diagnostic testing technology, and the fact that patient’s can now have treatment close to home makes the program unique for West Central and Southwest Minnesota.

A Growing Need in West Central and Southwest Minnesota
There was a clear need for a multidisciplinary diagnostic testing and treatment of dizziness and imbalance in this area. Our patients were having to travel to the Twin Cities for vestibular testing before now. This is a struggle for them as they frequently can’t drive and are suffering with nausea and vertigo. Patients will often choose to defer the testing to avoid the drive,” said Tamara Kobienia, physical therapist at ACMC's Hearing Balance Center.

The Most Sophisticated Diagnostic Testing Technology
There are an array of diagnostic and treatment resources today that can only be found to treat dizziness disorders. The Hearing & Balance Center brings a wide range of skills including not just our ENT's expertise, but physical therapists and audiologists knowledgeable about vestibular rehabilitation. They offer the latest in testing for the vestibular system including electronystagmography (ENG) and Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP). In a large percentage of cases, imbalance and dizziness is caused by the vestibular system, or inner ear. Vestibular rehabilitation is the treatment of imbalance and dizziness. Individualized exercise programs, developed by a physical therapist trained in vestibular rehabilitation, are tailored to the patient’s needs, based on the diagnostic test results. It is necessary that you complete the necessary forms and bring them to your first visit at the Hearing & Balance Center.

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For more information on the Hearing & Balance Center, call us at
(320) 214-6997.