Introduction: A hidden cause behind dizziness  

Every year, millions of Indians visit doctors for dizziness, imbalance, or sudden falls. Studies estimate that nearly 20–30% of people over 60 experience significant balance problems at least once a year,i often without knowing the real cause. Many dismiss it as “just old age,” but in reality, undiagnosed vestibular disorders could be interfering with daily life. Families often see their loved ones withdraw from social activities due to fear of falling. Yet, with the right testing tools such as a vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) testing device, early detection and treatment are possible.   

What is the condition?  

At the core of balance lies the vestibular system, a delicate network in the inner ear that sends signals to the brain about head movement and body position. It is the human body’s own gyroscope.ii When this system falters, people may feel spinning (vertigo), lose balance, or see the world “bounce” when walking. The brain depends on the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) to stabilize vision when the head moves. If the VOR fails, patients may see blurred images during everyday movements, such as crossing the street or reading signs while walking.  

Signs & symptoms of vestibular dysfunction  

Common red flags include:  

• Sudden spinning sensation (vertigo)  
• Unsteadiness, especially in the dark or on uneven ground  
• Blurred or bouncing vision during head movement (oscillopsia)  
• Recurrent falls or fear of falling  
• Nausea or vomiting with head turns  
• Involuntary eye movements (nystagmus)  

Risks of not detecting and treating  

Ignoring these symptoms can be dangerous. Patients with undiagnosed vestibular dysfunction face:  

• Increased risk of falls and fractures  
• Reduced independence and mobility  
• Higher risk of social withdrawal, anxiety, and depression  
• In elderly patients, falls linked to vestibular disorders are a major cause of hospitalization in India.iii  

The current diagnostic landscape  

Traditionally, clinicians rely on bedside Head Impulse Test (HIT), caloric testing, and Videonystagmography (VNG) to evaluate vestibular function. While effective, they have limitations:  

• Bedside HIT can miss subtle vestibular deficits  
• Standard tools cannot isolate each semicircular canal  
• Results may depend heavily on clinician expertise  

The clinical vestibular exam remains essential, but without advanced vestibular testing tools, many cases go unnoticed.  

EquifHIT vs Traditional HIT  

The traditional Head Impulse Test (HIT) has long been a trusted bedside method for checking the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). In a traditional HIT, the clinician quickly turns the patient’s head to one side while asking them to fix their eyes on a target. If the eyes “slip” off the target and then make a quick corrective movement (a catch-up saccade), it suggests a problem with the inner ear on that side.  

Limitations of Traditional HIT  

While useful, traditional HIT has important limitations:  

Subjective observation: The clinician must visually detect tiny corrective eye movements. These can be very subtle and are often missed, especially the “covert saccades” that occur during the head movement itself.  

Not quantitative: It only provides a “yes or no” impression of vestibular weakness. There’s no score or report that can be compared over time.  

Can miss mild dysfunction: Subtle or early vestibular disorders may pass unnoticed, leading to underdiagnosis.  

Dependent on clinician skill: Accuracy varies greatly with the examiner’s training and experience.  

EquifHIT  

• A head-mounted, vestibulo-ocular reflex testing device with high-precision angular velocity sensors measures head movement in all three planes (horizontal, LARP, RALP)  
• Uses optotypes (letters or symbols) presented at the peak of head movement—patients identify them only if VOR is intact  
• Provides canal-by-canal assessment of vestibular function  
• Automatic error rejection ensures only valid responses are recorded  
• Generates clear, color-coded reports (green = normal, yellow = borderline, red = low) for easy interpretation  

In short, while traditional HIT relies on clinician observation, EquifHIT provides objective, data-backed results that enhance reliability.  

Clinical vestibular exam & VOR assessment with EquifHIT  

During a clinical vestibular exam, VOR assessment is central. EquifHIT takes this further by:  

• Measuring visual acuity under head movement, revealing even subtle dysfunction  
• Identifying whether dysfunction is unilateral (one ear) or bilateral (both ears)  
• Distinguishing between peripheral vestibular disorders (like vestibular neuritis, Ménière’s disease, or BPPV) and central disorders (such as strokes or multiple sclerosis)  
• Offering results in minutes, aiding general practitioners and ENT specialists alike  

This precision reduces diagnostic delays, ensures patients receive targeted rehabilitation, and helps referring physicians make confident decisions.  

Why EquifHIT matters in India  

In India, where access to specialized vestibular labs may be limited and expensive, EquifHIT provides a clinic and a pocket-friendly solution. Its fast and accurate assessments can be carried out even in smaller centers, enabling general practitioners to refer patients sooner. Since it uses both Snellen letters and Landolt C optotypes, it accommodates patients who may not be familiar with the English alphabets.  

Key takeaway  

EquifHIT does not replace the traditional Head Impulse Test but enhances it. With its advanced sensors, real-time analysis, and objective reporting, EquifHIT offers clearer results for vestibular assessment, ensuring patients get the right care at the right time.  

Call to Action  

If you or a family member frequently feels dizzy or unstable or experiences blurred vision while moving, it might not just be “weakness” or “age.” It could be a vestibular disorder that is treatable with timely diagnosis.  

• Patients and caregivers: Don’t ignore persistent dizziness or falls. Ask your doctor about vestibular testing and possibly with EquifHIT.  
• General Practitioners: Consider EquifHIT over traditional HIT for clearer results.  
• Clinicians: Early VOR assessment can prevent years of undiagnosed imbalance and improve quality of life.  

For complete information and to request a demo of EquifHIT, navigate through <EquifHIT webpage>. To contact Taevas Global and for a quick support, dial <Taevas Phone Number>  

References  

1. Kaur, R., Kalaivani, M., Goel, A. D., Goswami, A. K., Nongkynrih, B., & Gupta, S. K. (2020). Burden of falls among elderly persons in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis. National Medical Journal of India, 33(4), 195–200. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-258X.316253 
2. Dizziness.center. (n.d.). Vestibular system and inner ear functions. Dizziness.center. Retrieved September 16, 2025, from https://www.dizziness.center/inner-ear/function.html 
3. Biswas, I., Adebusoye, B., & Chattopadhyay, K. (2023). Health consequences of falls among older adults in India: A systematic review and metaanalysis. Geriatrics, 8(2), 43. https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics8020043