Diagnostic Balance Testing
With such a wide range of hearing and balance disorders, many of which have similar symptoms, it’s important for an audiologist to make an accurate diagnosis in order to come up with a successful treatment plan. Diagnostic testing plays an important role in determining the condition responsible for a patient’s suffering.
Types of Diagnostic Tests
There are a number of diagnostic tests available, ranging from X-rays and CT scans to more in-depth tests. Here are some of the most common:
- Audiometry. This hearing exam measures your ability to hear different sounds, pitches and frequencies. Certain types of hearing loss are associated with dizziness and balance disorders.
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR). This neurologic test provides information about the electrical activity in the auditory pathway between the inner ear and the brain.
- Electrocochleography. This test is used to determine whether there is excess fluid in the inner ear by measuring the electrical currents generated by sound stimulation and can help with the diagnosis of Ménière’sdisease and other balance and hearing disorders.
- Posturography. This balance 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.
- Videonystagmography. This 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 where one or both ears are affected.
- Video Head Impulse Testing. This test measures eye movement relative to head movement and can help in the diagnosis of problems of the vestibular system.
These diagnostic tests can help us diagnose and evaluate a variety of hearing and balance disorders.
Call St. Cloud Ear, Nose & Throat for more information or to schedule an appointment.
(320) 252-0233