Hypovestibular Dysfunction in older adults

Balance disorders can happen at any age but are most common as we get older. Hypovestibular dysfunction refers to a decrease in the sensitivity of the vestibular organs within the inner ear. Important for detecting head motion, position and acceleration, all important for maintaining balance.

Up to 40% of the vestibular hair cells may be lost by the age of 70 causing problems like maintaining balance through gaze, slower reaction times and instability during movement. There is a link between vestibular loss and cognitive decline particularly in spatial orientation and memory tasks.

Exercises to help hypovestibular dysfunction include gaze stabilisation exercises, balance training, saccade exercises, throwing and catching balls and walking on different surfaces.