Balance Awareness Week – September 19, 2026

Balance Awareness Week
Categories:
Tags:
Awareness
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Week starting with the 3rd Saturday of September
Holiday emoji:
🧠

Balance Awareness Week runs from Saturday, September 19 through Friday, September 25, shining a light on vestibular disorders. These inner ear and brain conditions profoundly impact daily life, causing debilitating dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues. Take time this week to learn about the challenges faced by those affected and explore ways to support research and advocacy efforts.

Want to sponsor Balance Awareness Week? Learn how

Expected Balance Awareness Week Deals

Balance Awareness Week, a cause-driven observance, focuses on education and fundraising rather than commercial deals. The Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) leads the charge, encouraging donations and participation in awareness campaigns. Many physical therapy clinics and audiology centers may offer free screenings or educational workshops. Look for corporate partners who might match donations to vestibular research foundations or host community walks. We encourage you to visit vestibular.org to find direct ways to contribute and support the cause. We will update this page with confirmed live events and programs as September approaches.

Platform Guide for Balance Awareness Week

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #BalanceAwarenessWeek. Share educational infographics about vestibular disorders or personal stories of resilience.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #BalanceAwarenessWeek. Post facts, research updates, and links to support resources for those with balance issues.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #BalanceAwarenessWeek. Join community groups dedicated to vestibular health and share personal experiences or support messages.

Social Media Tips for Balance Awareness Week

Individuals

Share your story of living with a balance disorder or offer words of encouragement to others. Participate in local awareness walks or educational webinars hosted by advocacy groups.

Creators

Produce short videos explaining common vestibular symptoms or demonstrating exercises that help improve balance. Interview an audiologist or physical therapist to share expert insights.

Brands

Partner with a vestibular advocacy organization for a donation-matching campaign. Host a virtual event featuring experts discussing balance health or offer accessible wellness products.

Organizations & Brands for Balance Awareness Week

  1. Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA)

    Founded in 1983, VeDA is the leading patient advocacy organization for people with vestibular disorders. It provides information, support, and advocacy to help individuals and medical professionals better understand and manage these conditions.

  2. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

    Part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), NIDCD conducts and supports research on the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language. It's a key funder of vestibular research.

  3. American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

    Established in 1921, APTA is a national professional organization representing physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students. Many physical therapists specialize in vestibular rehabilitation, crucial for managing balance disorders.

  4. Mayo Clinic

    A world-renowned non-profit academic medical center, Mayo Clinic is known for its integrated clinical practice, education, and research. Its neurology and ENT departments are at the forefront of diagnosing and treating complex balance and vestibular conditions.

  5. Oticon

    Founded in 1904 in Denmark, Oticon is a leading manufacturer of hearing aids. While primarily focused on hearing, many of their devices incorporate technology to assist with spatial awareness and sound localization, which can indirectly support balance.

  6. Philips Healthcare

    A global leader in health technology, Philips offers a range of medical devices and solutions. Their diagnostic imaging and monitoring equipment are vital in identifying underlying causes of balance disorders, supporting precise patient care.

  7. Cochlear Limited

    An Australian medical device company, Cochlear is known for its cochlear implants and bone conduction solutions. These devices can significantly improve hearing, and in some cases, contribute to better spatial orientation and balance for individuals with severe hearing loss.

Balance Awareness Week Hero

Cynthia Ryan

Cynthia Ryan is the founder of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA), established in 1983. Driven by her own experience with a vestibular disorder, Ryan recognized the critical need for patient education, support, and advocacy. Her pioneering work has provided a vital resource for millions affected by these often-misunderstood conditions, empowering patients and advancing awareness in the medical community.

Balance Awareness Week timeline

​2017
Internationally recognized​

The province of British Columbia formally recognized Balance Awareness Week. ​

​1997
Balance Awareness Week is official​

The Vestibular Disorders Association launched the first ever event. ​

​1983
VEDA formed

The Vestibular Disorders Association formed as a nonprofit. ​

​1946
Audiology courses offered

Northwestern University offered the first courses in audiology. ​

​1800s
Vertigo and ear diseases linked​

For the first time, ear diseases were linked to causing vertigo issues. ​

Balance Awareness Week FAQs

When is Balance Awareness Week?

Balance Awareness Week 2026 runs from Saturday, September 19 through Friday, September 25. This annual observance highlights the impact of vestibular disorders on daily life.

How many people are affected by vestibular disorders?

Vestibular disorders affect a significant portion of the population. Approximately 69 million Americans aged 40 and older have experienced some form of vestibular dysfunction, highlighting the widespread nature of these conditions.

What are the common symptoms of vestibular disorders?

Common symptoms of vestibular disorders include chronic dizziness, vertigo (a spinning sensation), imbalance, lightheadedness, nausea, and visual disturbances. Some individuals also experience tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and cognitive fog.

Is vertigo a vestibular disorder?

Vertigo is a symptom, not a disorder itself, but it is often a key indicator of a vestibular disorder. It’s the sensation of spinning or feeling off-balance, even when stationary, and frequently arises from issues within the inner ear or brain.

How to Observe Balance Awareness Week

  1. Host a fundraiser

    It is the mission of the Vestibular Disorders Association to highlight inner ear and brain disorders so that issues can get diagnosed more easily, and people living with vestibular disorders can find support.

  2. Have your ears checked

    Do you think that something's up with your balance? If so, make an appointment with an audiologist to get checked out.

  3. Volunteer

    We suggest checking with a local hospital to find out if there are any volunteering opportunities in the audiology department.

​5 "well-balanced" Balance Facts

  1. Who needs a big toe anyway?

    Research has found that individuals missing their big toe usually have "little or no disability" in terms of balance. ​

  2. ​Migraine sufferers beware

    Somewhere around 40 percent of migraine sufferers experience issues regarding balance or dizziness. ​

  3. ​Thanks, NASA

    By studying astronauts returning from space, NASA contributed to some early research on the vestibular system.

  4. ​More common than you might think

    Almost 70 million Americans over 40 have​ reported experiencing some sort of balance issues.

  5. Balance helpers

    Believe it or not, your muscles, joints, and skin all send important signals to your brain to help it determine how to properly balance your body. ​

Why Balance Awareness Week is Important

  1. Balance Awareness Week highlights what is normal and what is not

    Sure, as we age we expect to have our balance challenged a little, but there's a fine line between what's considered a normal balance issue and what could actually be a much more serious problem. Balance Awareness Week helps educate us about what signs and symptoms to look out for concerning possible issues with the inner ear and brain.

  2. Balance Awareness Week is an important time for fundraising

    The Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA) does a large chunk of its fundraising during Balance Awareness Week. VEDA uses the money to help support researchers, physicians, and the tens of millions of people who suffer from inner ear balance disorders.

  3. Balance is something that is otherwise taken for granted

    During Balance Awareness Week, we are all encouraged to recognize the remarkable job our body does with executing basic tasks. Sitting in a chair, walking to the mailbox, jumping up and down — all things that require our sense of balance.