Vestibular Testing (Balance and Vertigo Assessment) by ENT Specialist

Overview

Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or like the room is spinning? These symptoms often point to a problem with your vestibular (balance) system, located in your inner ear. Balance disorders can significantly affect daily activities and increase the risk of falls, especially in older adults. At our ENT-led Audiology Department, we offer advanced vestibular testing and vertigo evaluation services to identify and treat the root cause of your symptoms. Our experienced ENT specialists work closely with audiologists and vestibular therapists to provide accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatments, and rehabilitation plans tailored to your condition. Whether it’s a one-time episode or a chronic balance problem, we are here to restore your stability and confidence.

What Is the Vestibular System?

The vestibular system is a complex network in the inner ear that helps maintain balance, posture, and spatial orientation. It works together with your eyes, muscles, and brain to keep you upright and coordinated. When this system is disrupted due to infection, inflammation, or injury, it can lead to dizziness, imbalance, and vertigo.

Common Balance and Vestibular Disorders

ENT specialists are trained to identify and treat a wide range of inner ear conditions that affect balance. Some common disorders include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common cause of brief spinning sensations triggered by head movements.
• Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often due to viral infection, leading to sudden dizziness.
• Labyrinthitis: Infection of the inner ear affecting both hearing and balance.
• Ménière’s Disease: Characterized by recurring vertigo, hearing loss, ear fullness, and tinnitus.
• Acoustic Neuroma: A non-cancerous tumor affecting balance and hearing nerves.
• Chronic Vestibular Migraine: Dizziness or imbalance associated with migraine headaches.
• Age-related balance decline: Degeneration of inner ear structures over time.
  
  

Symptoms That Warrant Vestibular Testing

If you experience any of the following symptoms, consult an ENT specialist for a comprehensive vestibular evaluation:

• Sudden or recurrent episodes of vertigo (spinning sensation)
• Feeling unsteady or off-balance
• Nausea or vomiting related to motion
• Difficulty walking in the dark or on uneven surfaces
• Sensitivity to visual motion or crowded environments
• Frequent falls or fear of falling
• Lightheadedness when changing head or body position
  
  

ENT-Led Vestibular Assessment and Testing

Our ENT specialists start with a detailed history and physical exam to understand your symptoms and rule out other causes. Audiologists then conduct specialized vestibular tests to evaluate the function of your inner ear and related pathways.

. Videonystagmography (VNG)

This test tracks eye movements to assess how your inner ear and brain control balance. It helps identify BPPV, vestibular neuritis, and central disorders.

2. Dix-Hallpike Maneuver

A simple bedside test used to diagnose BPPV by triggering specific head positions and observing eye movement (nystagmus).

3. Caloric Testing

Warm or cold air/water is introduced into the ear canal to stimulate the inner ear and check its response.

4. Rotary Chair Testing

Evaluates vestibular function by spinning the patient gently in a chair while recording eye movements.

5. Computerized Dynamic Posturography

Measures your ability to maintain balance under various conditions, assessing sensory input and motor response.

6. Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP)

Tests the otolith organs (utricle and saccule) in the inner ear for any dysfunction.

These tests, when interpreted by ENT and audiology professionals, provide an accurate picture of your vestibular health and guide appropriate treatment.

Treatment Options for Vestibular Disorders

Treatment depends on the diagnosis and severity of symptoms. ENT specialists may recommend:

1. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

A customized exercise program conducted by physiotherapists or audiologists to improve balance and reduce dizziness through head, eye, and body movements.

2. Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver)

A series of head and body movements used to treat BPPV by moving displaced crystals in the inner ear to their correct position.

3. Medications

Prescribed to control symptoms like nausea, inflammation, or dizziness. Common options include meclizine, steroids, or antivirals depending on the cause.

4. Dietary Changes

Recommended for conditions like Ménière’s disease — reducing salt, caffeine, and alcohol to manage fluid buildup in the inner ear.

5. Surgery

In rare cases (e.g., tumors or intractable Ménière’s), surgical options may be discussed by your ENT surgeon.

Why Choose Our ENT-Audiology Team for Balance Assessment?

• Integrated ENT and Audiology Care: One-stop solution for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
• Advanced Technology: State-of-the-art balance assessment tools for accurate diagnosis.
• Personalized Care: Custom treatment plans for each patient’s unique condition.
• Multidisciplinary Approach: Collaboration with physiotherapists, neurologists, and general physicians.
• Comprehensive Follow-Up: Regular monitoring and therapy adjustments to track improvement.

Regain Your Balance, Start Today

Don’t let dizziness or imbalance interfere with your daily life. Whether you’re dealing with occasional vertigo or a long-term balance disorder, our ENT and audiology team is here to help you find relief. Book your vestibular evaluation today and take the first step toward a steadier, safer, and more confident you.