Summary
The American Hearing Research Foundation is partnering with the Vestibular Disorders Association for Balance Awareness Week, September 13-19, 2026. Together, AHRF and VeDA will raise awareness of vestibular disorders, share trusted resources and highlight the need for continued hearing and balance research.
CHICAGO, Illinois, September 1, 2026 – The American Hearing Research Foundation (AHRF) is proud to partner with the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) for Balance Awareness Week, taking place September 13-19, 2026.
This global campaign raises awareness of vestibular disorders, which affect the body’s balance system, and brings visibility to conditions that are often misunderstood or invisible to others.
Vestibular disorders can affect the inner ear and brain, causing symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, imbalance and spatial disorientation. Because these symptoms are not always visible, people may struggle to receive an accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment and understanding from those around them.
Balance Awareness Week is led by VeDA to educate the public, share patient experiences and build greater understanding of vestibular disorders. Through this partnership, AHRF will help:
- Increase awareness of vestibular disorders and their effect on daily life
- Improve understanding of symptoms that are frequently dismissed or misdiagnosed
- Share trusted hearing and balance resources
- Amplify the experiences of people living with invisible conditions
- Highlight the continued need for hearing and balance research
“Balance disorders can profoundly affect a person’s quality of life, yet they remain widely misunderstood,” said Lisa Held, Executive Director of the American Hearing Research Foundation. “Our partnership with VeDA for Balance Awareness Week gives us an important opportunity to increase awareness, support those affected and highlight the need for continued research into hearing and balance disorders.”
To learn more about Balance Awareness Week and how to participate, visit vestibular.org/balance-awareness-week.
About the American Hearing Research Foundation
The American Hearing Research Foundation funds innovative research that helps advance the understanding of hearing and balance functions, identify solutions for hearing and balance disorders and educate the public about these life-altering conditions. Founded in 1956, AHRF supports promising research into hearing loss, Ménière’s disease, tinnitus, vestibular disorders and other conditions affecting the inner ear.
To learn more, visit american-hearing.org.
About the Vestibular Disorders Association
The Vestibular Disorders Association is a leading international organization providing education, support and advocacy for people affected by vestibular disorders involving the inner ear and brain. VeDA connects patients with trusted health information and specialists while increasing awareness through education, advocacy and storytelling.
To learn more, visit vestibular.org.
Media Contact
Lisa Held
Executive Director
American Hearing Research Foundation
executivedirector@american-hearing.org