Hearing & Balance Specialists of Kansas City specializes in the evaluation of issues causing dizziness and balance problems.

We not only have the most experience in these evaluations, but we also have state-of-the-art equipment. An evaluation may include any or all of the following tests:

  • Gans Sensory Organizational Performance Test – This test allows your audiologist to identify the cause of your imbalance. It helps define your fall risk and what treatment is most appropriate in managing your problem.
  • Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) – VEMP testing analyzes the inner ear’s balance organs and the nerve pathway that sends this information out to the rest of the body.
  • Computerized Dynamic Visual Acuity Testing (CD-VAT) – CD-VAT analyzes how the vestibular system responds to rapid head movement. It also evaluates the intricate connection between the inner ear and eye movements.
  • Videonystagmography Testing (VNG) – This test is compromised of several subtests and helps differentiate between a peripheral (ear) or central (brain) cause to an individual’s dizziness. VNG testing can identify positional vertigo and permanent ear damage. It utilizes very sensitive video goggles to analyze a patient’s eye movements in various conditions.
  • Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) – Are used to evaluate the health of the inner ear’s sensory cells, which are called hair cells. This test helps an audiologist decide if an issue is coming from the inner ear or the nerve attached to the ear.
  • Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) – This test measures the health of the nerve pathways between the hearing organ and brainstem. Often an issue in this area can cause hearing loss on one side, tinnitus on one side, and/or dizziness.
  • Audiometric Testing – Audiometric testing evaluates hearing. During your dizziness/balance exam, your audiologist will often evaluate your hearing. The hearing and balance portions of the inner ear share fluids, nerves, and a blood supply. Many vestibular disorders will also have characteristic hearing loss patterns that a patient may not perceive.
  • Rotational Chair Assessment – Hearing and Balance is one of few sites in Missouri/Kansas that has this specialized piece of equipment. It evaluates an important connection between ears and eyes, called the vestibulo-ocular reflex.

 

Hearing & Balance Specialists of Kansas City provides expert evaluation and treatment of complex balance disorders, which often originate from the vestibular system in the inner ear. Please contact us to schedule an appointment.