What Is Balance Testing?

The inner ear is home to the hearing and balance centers.  Special receptors in the ear allow signals to be received and processed by the central nervous system and the brain. Balance testing, or neurovestibular testing, tells our providers whether the areas of balance function well. Unlike imaging studies, which show only the anatomy and structures, this family of tests allows your doctor to better understand how the system is functioning and where a problem may arise.

Depending on your condition, your physician may recommend evaluation of the hearing and/or balance centers, as they are all part of the inner ear.  All testing is easy, comfortable and uses advanced technology.

What Tests Are Used To Diagnose Balance Disorders?

• Auditory Brainstem Response: This test provides information about electrical activity along the auditory pathway from the inner ear to the brain.
• Electronystagmography: This test measures eye movements to assess the function of the vestibular system. Electrodes are placed around the eye to record electrical activity and detect involuntary rapid eye movements.
• Electrocochleography: This test examines the ratio of fluids in the inner ear and how well they move in the inner ear, which controls hearing and balance.

• Postural Stability Evaluation: This test evaluates balance function and the vestibulospinal reflex. It determines how the sensory modalities of equilibrium (eyes, ears and touch) contribute to overall balance function.

• Rotational Chair Testing: The rotary chair moves slowly and steadily while infrared cameras measure reflexive eye movements. This test has a high neurodiagnostic predictive value for central and peripheral vestibular dysfunction.
• Videonystagmography with Calorics: This test uses recording video goggles to detect repetitive, involuntary eye movements by measuring the response of your eyes to different moving objects, head and body movements and when air is introduced into the ears.

• Cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (cVEMP): This test evaluates the function of the vestibulocollic reflex using a sound stimulus delivered through an earphone and electrode on the patient’s neck muscle.
•  Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (oVEMP): This test provides unique diagnostic information about horizontal head movements.

Balance Testing for Vertigo

A common cause of dizziness or unsteadiness is vertigo. It occurs when disruption of the vestibular system interferes with signals about head and body position.

It is most often the result of a problem in the middle ear. Balance testing can help determine whether you’re experiencing vertigo and is the first step in getting the best treatment for your symptoms.

What Should I Do if I Think I Have a Balance Disorder?

If you’re exhibiting signs of a balance disorder, such as dizziness, unsteadiness or motion intolerance, we can provide comprehensive balance testing. This is the first step to receiving customized care that allows you to move with confidence.

Call Hearing Health Services LLC for more information or to schedule an appointment.

(360) 678-1423