We understand that vestibular assessments are unfamiliar to many clients who are referred to HearSmart
Hearing Solutions. This document will give you some basic information about how the testing is performed
to ease any concerns you may have. On the day, each test will be explained in detail for you.
Vestibular assessments are usually performed by an audiologist to investigate dizziness, imbalance, and
other related symptoms. The assessments are non-invasive tests that rarely cause any discomfort. While
the testing session is up to 4 hours long, the process is simple and we aim to make you as comfortable
as possible
Depending on what is required for your assessment, various tests will be conducted. They are as follows:
-
vHIT: Assessment of the movement of eyes when head is moving side to side. This
test is performed
while seated and wearing lightweight eye goggles with an inbuilt camera. The eyes are tracked by the
camera and processed by the connected computer. You are required to look at a dot on a screen.
-
VNG: These tests also assess the movement of the eyes, with a different set of eye
goggles that have
an in-built camera. Various activities will be conducted while seating and watching a TV screen.
This testing also involves caloric assessments. This involves a machine that blows warm and cool air
into the ear canal to stimulate the balance system while measuring the nystagmus of the eyes. This
is the only test of the day that may induce some dizziness; however most people experience a mild
form compared to their normal symptoms which passes quickly.
-
Electrophysiological testing: These tests involve the placement of conductive
electrode stickers on your head, neck, and face. These pick up various measurements that occur while
a loud clicking noise is played in your ears or a simple task is performed. These tests are
completed while seated or lying down.
