More research -
I looked up northshore University
health system (my network) otolaryngology -
Vestibular ENT doctors focus
on Ménière's disease. For a doctor who
deals with vestibular disorders other than Ménière's, you have to see a
neurologist.
For more info re
vestibular disorders, also take a look at the vestibular disorders Association
site - www.vestibular.org
Neuro/Otology (head
& neck) basically focuses on surgery.
Audiology - hearing -
this is where there's info re acoustic reflexes. Cheri has talked about ipsilateral (same
side) and contralateral (opposite side) acoustic reflexes. She told me that my ears are working together.
It's all connected -
The vestibular (balance)
and cochlear (hearing) nerves connect to send messages to the brain.
The vestibular ocular
reflex – this is a neural connection between eyes and the vestibular system in
the inner ear, for image stabilization.
Vision is NOT just about
20/20 - that refers only to acuity, which is how well each eye can focus on an
object 20 feet away. There's much more to vision than acuity! Complicated
stuff!
My diagnosis -
I was diagnosed with
convergence insufficiency by Dr. Margolis, my developmental optometrist, and vision
is what gets addressed prior to auditory issues. I know I already work in VT re
all kinds of sensory integration.
For more info re vision,
& doctors who treat functional disorders - not just disease - check the college
of optometric vision development - www.covd.org
Keep learning, keep
going -
Seeing an ENT about
hearing loss would, I think, make sense prior to getting any additional tests
done. However, my hearing loss is mild,
and I suspect that the tinnitus I sometimes experience, as well as the fullness
are not what most doctors would consider medically significant.
Before doing any
additional testing or doctoring, I need to talk to Dr. Margolis.
Also, continue reflex
work with Joyce (Feldenkrais) to help calm down sound/sensory input.
To quote Dr. Margolis re
my sensitivity, "a little bit can have a big impact." I may not feel
like I'm doing much in the moment, when I do a few seconds of something, but
every little bit adds up.
