Have you ever experienced an episode of unexplained dizziness or felt like you were going to fall? If so, this should not be something you simply brush aside as one out of five falls causes a serious injury such as a broken bone or head injury.
Your Goodyear audiologist is here to help you keep your balance.
Types of Diagnostic Tests
Before your Goodyear audiologist can develop an individualized treatment plan, they will need to determine the cause of your dizziness. This is done through a series of diagnostic tests. The most common tests are below.
Electrocochleography
This test measures the electrical currents generated by sound stimulation in order to determine whether there is excess fluid in the inner ear. This test is used to diagnose Meniere’s disease and other balance and hearing disorders.
Electronystagmography (ENG)
This is actually a series of tests used to measure eye movements. Electrodes are placed around the eyes in order to assess the function of your vestibular system, which is responsible for balance.
Videonystagmography (VNG)
This is similar to ENG testing, but instead of electrodes an infrared video camera attached to a pair of goggles is used. The test measures eye movements to evaluate the inner ear and central motor functions. It can determine whether a vestibular disorder is the cause of a balance problem, and whether one or both ears are affected.
Posturography
This test measures the effectiveness of the somatosensory system, vestibular system and vision to determine which area(s) to focus on when treating a balance disorder.
Rotary Chair Test
This test measures eye movements in response to corresponding head movements. It is used to determine whether your symptoms are related to an inner ear disorder or a brain disorder.
Like the ENG and VNG tests, either electrodes or a goggle-mounted video camera are used to record eye movements. This test requires you to sit in a computerized chair that moves throughout the test. This test provides more detailed information about the function of the balance system than an ENG or VNG test.
Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP)
CDP tests measure how well the visual, vestibular and sensory systems work together to maintain balance. With this test, your Goodyear audiologist will ask you to stand on a platform and follow a visual target while it moves. Your movements will be recorded.
Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP)
VEMP testing is used to determine whether the saccule (an inner ear organ) and vestibular nerves are functioning properly. Electrodes are attached to the neck and sounds are transmitted through a pair of headphones. The electrical response of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the neck is recorded.
These quick and painless tests are the keys to your recovery.
Contact your Goodyear audiologist today to get started.
