Diagnostic Vestibular Assessments
The vestibular assessment usually involves a
hearing assessment too. This is done to assess the hearing part of the
inner ear, the cochlea. The inner ear includes the cochlea and balance
(vestibular organs), and therefore the hearing test may help in diagnosing
a balance problem.
There are two main types of assessment of the vestibular (balance)
system. One is called caloric stimulation which involves cool and warm
air being introduced into the ear canal. We do this to create a temperature
change that causes the fluid in the inner ear to move. The other vestibular
test routinely performed is cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP)
testing. In this test the person gently elevates their head from a
pillow and we measure a balance reflex located in the neck muscles.
- Information for patients about vestibular tests leaflet
- Audio-vestibular assessments information table
The diagnostic assessments of vestibular disorders available includes:
Basic Assessment (Approximately 2 hours)
- Audiological assessment
- Cervical Vestibular evoked myogenic (cVEMP) test
- Electronystagmography (ENG) or Videonystagmography (VNG) and caloric tests
- Hallpike test
Comprehensive Assessment (Approximately 3 hours)
- Audiological assessment
- Auditory Brainstem Response Audiometry (not performed if recent MRI)
- Cervical Vestibular evoked myogenic (cVEMP) test
- Ocular Vestibular evoked myogenic (oVEMP) test
- Electronystagmography (ENG) or Videonystagmography (VNG) and caloric tests
- Hallpike test
- Sinusoidal Harmonic Acceleration Rotational chair
NOTE: Comprehensive assessment is not recommended for the very elderly or frail because the results from certain tests are often affected by patient fatigue.
Other Tests and Services:
•
Vestibular Physiotherapy
•
Electrocochleography
•
Ocular Motor Testing
•
Otolith Function (static bias) assessments
•
Static Posturography
•
Otoacoustic Emissions testing
• Neurological or Otological opinion/management