When we think of managing chronic diseases like diabetes or hypertension, we focus on blood sugar logs, heart rates, and medications. But there is a quiet, often ignored symptom that can be just as debilitating as the primary diagnosis: chronic dizziness. For millions of people living with systemic health issues, the world doesn't just feel unsteady—it feels dangerous....
Audiologists and balance specialists should consider screening or flagging chronic dizziness patients for systemic chronic disease (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) and facilitating appropriate medical referral — though this piece offers opinion rather than new evidence to change established protocols.
Repositioning chronic dizziness as a systemic disease red flag could expand the diagnostic and referral role of audiologists in primary and integrated care settings.
- 01Chronic dizziness is framed as an underrecognized symptom of diabetes and hypertension.