What Cheltenham Audiologists Check for Balance Problems
Inner ear balance problems can be detected by an audiologist by using a number of specific tests to identify the cause of any symptoms.
Case History and Symptom Review
We start by taking a full case history and ask you to describe your balance symptoms in more detail. We would like to know the date of onset, duration, any exacerbating or alleviating factors and whether you have experienced any hearing changes or tinnitus.
Dix-Hallpike Test
The test for BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) is called the Dix-Hallpike test. This test involves moving you from a sitting position to lying down in a particular way with your head in different positions. The audiologist will look for involuntary eye movements called nystagmus.
Caloric Testing
The first test to find vertigo and balance disorders is caloric testing. This test uses warm and cool water or air which is introduced into each ear canal individually to stimulate the balance organ in the inner ear. The results from each ear are compared to see if one ear is not functioning as well as the other. If you want Audiologist Cheltenham, imperialhearing.com/audiologist-near-me/cheltenham/ is a good place to start.
Videonystagmography
Videonystagmography involves using lightweight goggles containing infrared cameras to record eye movements during a number of tests involving the way the patient looks while moving their head and body in different positions.
Posturography
A number of clinics now offer posturography, a test that looks at balance by placing individuals on a balance test platform that can move under them. The test then looks at how much individuals rely on vision and surface contact when balancing and can look at inner ear problems in comparison to problems caused by other systems.
When Referral Is Needed
An Audiologist in Cheltenham can assess your inner ear balance system but should refer you to a Neurologist or ENT consultant if your results suggest a problem outside of the inner ear balance system.
A full assessment of balance function can seem a daunting exercise but by explaining the individual tests to be conducted, they become far less so.
