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Do
you have problems with dizziness, balance or sensation of spinning?
We can help. Our audiologists provide diagnostic testing to evaluate
problems of balance and vertigo. Test results help determine the
cause of problems and provide help in finding solutions. Many patients
who previously struggled from the effects of debilitating equilibrium
are able to return to normal lives as a result.
Appointments can be scheduled by calling our office directly or
through medical referral from your physician. Services referred
by your physician are covered by Medicare and most insurances.
As members of the Vestibular Technologies Network of healthcare
professionals, our audiologists are trained experts in balance and
vestibular testing and therapy.

Diagnostic Audiological Evaluation
Since many equilibrium problems are directly related to
an inner ear disorder, our expertly trained audiologists perform
a full diagnostic hearing evaluation to identify any contributing
hearing problems.
Modified Dynamic Computerized Posturography Evalaution
Posturography objectively measures a patient’s ability
to maintain their balance. This is the best test to identify patients
that are at high risk for falls. Results may also be used as a baseline
to monitor improvement with treatment.
Video-Nystagmography (VNG) Evaluation
Eye Dynamics Computer Based ENG and Infrared Video-oculography
This
series of test procedures evaluates the vestibular system which
is the balance portion of the inner ear. The patient wears goggles
which have a miniature infrared video camera. This is used to measure
eye movements in response to head movement. By evaluating computerized
diagnostic test results, we are able to differentiate between central
and peripheral vestibular pathologies.
Hallpike
Maneuver
This is the gold standard maneuver to identify benign paroxysmal
positional vertigo (BPPV). This disorder of the inner ear is the
most common cause of vertigo. It is also very treatable
with a 95% or greater successful treatment rate. The maneuver involves
lying the patient down with his head turned slightly to either the
right or left. The eye movements (ie: nystagmus) are measured and
analyzed using a computer and video monitor. Upon proper diagnosis,
the appropriate treatment can be performed to help eliminate the
dizziness that is felt when the head is put in certain positions.
Caloric
Irrigation Test:
This is usually the most informative subtest of the evaluation because
it can be used to tentatively evaluate and diagnose an imbalance
in the peripheral vestibular system. The test involves putting cold
and warm air into each ear individually and measuring the normal
eye movement response (nystagmus). The two sides are then compared
to one another for asymmetric function that might be contributing
to the patient’s feeling of dizziness. This test may provoke
a temporary sensation of dizziness that usually lasts for only a
few minutes.
Treatment
Plan Recommendations
Based on test results, referrals may be made for treatment
and/or further evaluation to the Primary Care Physician, Otolaryngologists,
Neurologists, or Physical Therapists. We also offer treatment for
vestibular disorders including repositioning maneuvers for BPPV.
©Copyright
2002 Thompson Audiology. All Rights Reserved.
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