Diagnostic Tests for Vestibular Disorders
Doctors use the medical history and findings from a physical examination as a basis for ordering diagnostic tests to assess the function of the vestibular system and to rule out alternative causes of symptoms. These diagnostic tests are designed to evaluate the function and structure of the inner ear and/or brain, and they include hearing evaluations because the hearing and balance functions of the inner ear are closely related. To find a vestibular disorder specialist who can administer these diagnostic tests, please visit our provider directory.
Tests of vestibular (balance) function include:
- Electronystagmography (ENG, VNG)
- Rotation tests
- Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP)
- Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP)
Tests of auditory (hearing) function include:
- Pure-tone audiometry
- Speech audiometry
- Acoustic-reflex
- Electrocochleography (ECoG)
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAE)
- Auditory brainstem response test
(ABR; also known as BER, BSER, or BAER)
Other diagnostic tests include:
To read more about testing, please see VEDA publication F-6: Diagnostic Tests for Vestibular Problems.
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