Vestibular Testing

What is Vestibular Audiology? 

Vestibular audiology is a specialized branch of audiology that focuses on assessing and managing disorders related to the inner ear’s vestibular system. Untreated balance disorders can lead to reduced mobility, decreased independence, and an overall decline in quality of life. Our team of vestibular audiologists are well-equipped to assess, diagnose, and develop personalized treatment plans to address these symptoms effectively. 

Common Symptoms of Balance Disorders: 

1. Vertigo: This sensation of spinning, even when you are not moving, is one of the most common symptoms of a vestibular disorder. Vertigo can lead to a feeling of instability and a fear of falling. 

1. Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded, off-balance, or woozy is another common symptom. Dizziness can disrupt daily activities, impact work, and overall well-being.  

1. Imbalance and Unsteadiness: Individuals with balance disorders often experience difficulty walking straight, standing upright, or find themselves veering in particular directions when walking. This can lead to an increased risk of falls.  

1. Nausea and Vomiting: Some vestibular disorders may cause feelings of nausea and even vomiting, especially during episodes of vertigo. 

1. Visual Disturbance: Blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and trouble focusing can accompany balance disorders and affect visual stability. 

1. Hearing Changes: Some vestibular disorders may be linked to changes in hearing, tinnitus (ringing in ears), and/or sensations of fullness in the ears.  

Our Services 

1. Adult Comprehensive Vestibular Evaluations (ages 12+): Our team utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to conduct thorough assessments of the vestibular system allowing for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans. 

1. Pediatric Comprehensive Vestibular Evaluations (ages 4-12): Pediatric patients experience unique symptoms of dizziness and imbalance. Our team provides a personalized assessment for patients aged 7-12 years in order to determine origin of dizziness and direct future implications of dizziness. We are also equipped to provide condensed evaluations for ages 4-6 to help direct necessary interventions.  

1. Concussion Evaluations: Our team evaluates patients who are experiencing dizziness, balance disturbances and visual symptoms following a head injury. A comprehensive vestibular evaluation by an audiologist is known to reduce recovery time post-concussion. 

1. Treatment Plans, Education and Counseling: Our team provides extensive education about vestibular disorders and their management, empowering patients to better understand their condition and make informed decisions.  

What To Expect During Your Appointment: 

Step 1: Comprehensive Patient History 

Before the evaluation begins, our audiologists provide questionnaires on the impact of your dizziness on your overall function, review your medical history, and discuss your symptoms  with you. This comprehensive patient history helps us understand your unique situation and allows us to focus on areas that require special attention. 

You may download, print and bring these forms with you to save time.  

Step 2: Vestibular Evaluation 

Our specialized vestibular evaluation is designed to determine the source or sources of your balance and dizziness issues. Using state-of-the-art technology and advanced methods of testing, we will assess the function of your inner ear’s balance system and gather essential data about your balance, eye movements, and other related functions. Examples of testing that may be performed are included below: 

Videonystagmography (VNG):  This test allows us to distinguish peripheral (ear) vs. central (brain) causes of dizziness. Patients wear goggles with a camera inside that measures eye movements. The audiologist will measure your eye movements during different head and body positions to identify possible vestibular system damage. 

Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP): This test is used to determine whether certain vestibular organs and nerves are functioning normally. Adhesive electrodes are placed on the head and neck while the audiologist measures neural responses to particular eye and neck movements.