Hearing & Balance Center Vestibular Testing
Vertigo and other balance disorders are diagnosed by an otolaryngologist—an ear, nose, and throat doctor—or a neurologist. These specialists may use a physical exam, medical history, and results from assessments conducted at the Hearing and Balance Center to help determine the cause of a balance problem in adults and children. Treatment for children is provided through the pediatric vestibular and balance disorder services at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone.
Our audiologists offer a variety of balance tests, including the following:
- an auditory brainstem response (ABR) test to assess how well sound travels from the inner ear to the brainstem and upper auditory area
- electrocochleography, to determine whether excess pressure in the inner ear is caused by fluid buildup
- rotary chair testing, to assess eye movements originating in the vestibular system in response to a chair turning back and forth
- vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials testing, to measure the natural response of your neck muscles, eye muscles, and vestibular system to certain sounds
- videonystagmography, visual and sensory tests to evaluate your inner ear function
Please consult your physician one week before your rotary chair or videonystagmography test regarding food, medication, and alcohol restrictions. On the day of your test, please arrive in flat shoes and comfortable clothing, and do not wear any makeup or cream. Wear your contact lenses if you use them, but bring your case, solution, and glasses, as you may need to remove your contacts.
The research that our doctors conduct helps advance knowledge of the many conditions that affect the ear. We work to enhance our patients’ care through innovative methods of identifying causes for vertigo and loss of balance.