Testing performed
Balance Assessment
Evaluating your balance may include the following tests.
Videonystagmography (VNG)
This test shows us whether both inner ears of balance are equally strong. We will ask you to follow moving lights with your eyes. We will have you lay down on a table the same way you would in bed. Lastly, we will gently flow warm or cool water in your ears for 30 seconds and record your eye movements.
Rotary Chair Test
For this test, you will sit in a computerized swivel chair. We will record your eye movements as the chair slowly moves back and forth in a dark room.
Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP)
The VEMP test provides us with information about how the balance parts of the inner ear called the saccule and utricle are functioning. We will have you lay down on a table and lift your head up while you listen to a “beep.” We will also have you look upward when you hear the “beep.”
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) Evaluation
We will check various head and body positions to evaluate for the presence of dizziness and abnormal eye movement. If BPPV is identified, we will treat the dizziness with repositioning exercises.
Electrocochleography (EcochG)
This test evaluates for excessive fluid pressure in the inner ear. We will place earphones in your ears through which you will hear clicking sounds. Sticker electrodes will be placed on your head. You will lay relaxed with your eyes closed for the test.
Hearing Evaluation (Indianapolis Office Only)
This test evaluates your hearing in each ear to determine if there is a reduction in your hearing range. This takes place in a sound-treated booth and measures your hearing sensitivity for different pitches (frequencies). Speech perception tests will be completed to help determine your ability to hear and understand words without using visual cues.