Finding the right care for a vestibular disorder can be difficult for anyone. Symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, and brain fog can be hard to describe, vestibular disorders are often misunderstood, and many patients see multiple healthcare providers before getting an accurate diagnosis. For people whose primary language is Spanish, those challenges can be even greater. Language is one obvious barrier, but it’s not the only one. Cultural differences can influence how people describe their symptoms, when and where they seek care, and how comfortable they feel asking questions or advocating for themselves. Some people may also have reasons to distrust the healthcare system based on their own experiences or those of their family or community. And even when patients are actively looking for answers, finding reliable, easy-to-understand information about vestibular disorders in Spanish can be challenging. Today, we’re going to explore these issues from both sides of the healthcare experience. Joining us is Johan, a Spanish-speaking vestibular patient, who will share his personal experience navigating the healthcare system, and Jesus Gomez, a Spanish-speaking audiologist with vestibular training, who will offer a clinician’s perspective on the barriers Spanish-speaking patients may encounter and what healthcare providers can do to better serve them. Guests Johan , also known as “The Chappiness Guy,” is a vestibular patient, advocate, and VeDA Ambassador. After developing vestibular migraine and PPPD at age 33, he turned his experience into an opportunity to support others. Through his Find Your Chappiness YouTube channel and Vestibular TALKS interview series, Johan raises awareness, shares patient stories, and helps people with vestibular disorders feel less alone. He also moderates a WhatsApp group for Spanish-speaking vestibular patients. Jesus Gomez, AuD, PhD , is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder and Director of the Vestibular Sciences Lab. He earned his Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and his PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders from James Madison University. His research focuses on vestibular science, fall risk, and improving the accessibility of vestibular and fall-risk assessment across different language groups. His overarching goal is to advance equitable approaches to vestibular care. VeDA’s Spanish Resources

Barriers to Vestibular Care for the Spanish-Speaking Community

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