Services

Vestibular Function Testing

• Video head impulse test

  You will be seated comfortably and wear a pair of video goggle which records head and eye movements. An experienced operator will deliver head rotation to either side whilst you look at a target on the wall to stimulate the balance organs. The performance of the balance system can be measured by calculating the amount of eye movement produced in response to head movement. This test takes about 5-10 minutes to complete.

• Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials

  Whilst lying on the examination couch electrodes will be placed on your neck and over your collar bones. To activate the balance system, sound clicks will be applied to each ear and, at the same time, you will be asked to lift your head off the pillow. Responses generated by neck muscles will be recorded by a computer. This test takes about 10 minutes to complete.

• Caloric testing

  You will be lying down and wear a video goggle which records eye movements. The test is conducted in darkness. Warm and cool water is delivered to each ear and the eye movement response compared between the left and right ear. This test takes up to 60 minutes to complete.

• Hearing test

  Many vestibular disorders cause hearing symptoms. You will be asked to bring your previous hearing test results, or if you have not had a hearing test recently, one will be organised. Hearing test takes 20-40 minutes to complete.