Diagnosis

First, consult your physician to discuss your symptoms and your current medical status. Following medical examination, your doctor may order special diagnostic tests conducted by an audiologist. These may include:

• A hearing test - Because both hearing and balance end organs are located in your inner ear, it is important to evaluate your hearing. If you have hearing loss, your hearing may be monitored at intervals. Allow 30-45 minutes for the procedure.
• ENG - This is a more comprehensive vestibular assessment, evaluating an individual's central and peripheral functions. Electrodes are placed around the eye and forehead areas for recording purposes. The test includes visual, positional and caloric (warm and cold water introduced into each ear canal) testing. Allow two hours for the procedure.
• VAT - This is a brief test designed to evaluate the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), which maintains eye fixation on an object when quick head movements are made. Electrodes are placed around the eye and forehead areas for recording purposes. The patients will actively move the head back and forth as well as up an down while focusing on a target during the recording process. Allow 30 minutes for the procedure.