Symptoms of dizziness and vertigo can be debilitating to patients because it reduces a patient’s quality of life and increases the risk of falls. During an evaluation at AOC Physicians, our compassionate experts will listen to the patient’s symptoms and concerns and perform a physical examination. In addition, there are several tests our audiologists may perform to explore the cause of dizziness and loss of balance.
Videonystagmography (VNG) – This test is comprised of several subtests that help differentiate between a peripheral (ear) or central (brain) cause to an individual’s dizziness. VNG testing can helpful in determining abnormalities in the vestibular system, brainstem, and cerebellum by using video goggles to analyze a patient’s eye movements in various conditions.
Electrocochleography (ECOG) measures electrical activity produced within the cochlea—the primary hearing organ of the inner ear—in response to a sound stimulus. ECOG is often used in the diagnosis of Ménière’s disease/endolymphatic hydrops which is a disorder characterized by vertigo or severe dizziness, ringing in the ear, fluctuating hearing loss, and pain or pressure in the affected ear.
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR, BAER) - The Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) is an objective test that can be used to estimate hearing sensitivity and to identify neurological abnormalities of the auditory nerve and the auditory pathway up through the brainstem. The test can be used with children and adults who have a difficult time with conventional behavioral methods of hearing screening. The ABR is also indicated for a person with signs, symptoms, or complaints suggesting a type of hearing loss in the brain or a brain pathway.
Once the evaluation is complete, our physicians can discuss treatment plans and schedule follow-up appointments if necessary.