Balance Testing

While the primary function of the ears is to help us hear, they also play a significant role in helping us maintain our balance. Balance is maintained by the vestibular system found in the inner ear. A balance test may be recommended if you have begun to notice yourself feeling unsteady while walking or standing, dizzy, or off-balance.

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Balance testing is a group of tests performed by a physician to determine the cause of these symptoms and help diagnose balance disorders. Balance disorders can impact your ability to walk and comfortably perform your daily activities. While some cases may be minor, others can be severe. These disorders may signify an underlying condition, including vertigo, Meniere’s disease, migraines, or head trauma. If you have begun to notice any changes in your ability to maintain your balance, contact The Barranco Clinic to schedule an appointment for balance testing.

Balance Testing Procedure

There are several balance testing options available, but the most common is videonystagmography (VNG). During this test, your eye movements will be measured to assess the central motor functions and the inner ear. The VNG can help determine if there are any underlying disorders of the inner ear causing your balance difficulties.

For the first part of the test, the provider will instruct you to sit in a dark room wearing special glasses that record eye movements. You will begin to see dots moving in front of you, and you will be asked to follow their path with your eyes.
Next, the provider will move your head or portions of your body to observe the reaction this creates.
During the final step, the provider will place water or air inside each air. This is done to elicit specific responses and provides another way to determine the cause of balance disorders.

Conditions Diagnosed Through Balance Testing

There are several underlying conditions that balance testing can help diagnose. These conditions include:

Vertigo
Labyrinthitis
Vestibular neuritis
Meniere’s disease
Chronic migraines
Head injuries or trauma
Serious side effects of certain medications

Benefits of Balance Testing

When you are off-balance or have difficulty maintaining balance, it can interfere with many areas of your life. Balance testing offers patients the opportunity to discover the root of their balance problem and detect any underlying disorders. This testing will also allow your provider to create a personalized treatment plan for your unique needs.

About The Barranco Clinic

Our five office locations are staffed with seven highly-trained ENT providers and a dedicated team of medical professionals. Our office provides each patient with:

Personalized Treatment

We provide genuine one-on-one care between patients and their providers, ensuring they feel seen and their concerns heard.

Top-rated Physician Network

Our provider network is designed to foster internal collaboration, which leads to unique perspectives and ultimately better patient outcomes.

Continuity of Care

Our goal is to help patients find long-lasting relief from the symptoms that impact their lives.

Community Investment

With over 30 locations across the area, we’ve made finding quality care more straightforward and more accessible.

Your Balance Testing Procedure

Balance is achieved through the work of multiple parts of the body. Because of this, more than one test may be required to examine different parts of the body. The exact steps of the testing procedure will vary from patient to patient. Most appointments will include an examination of the eyes, motor functions, inner ears, and ability to walk. Once the tests are complete, the provider may require some time to review the results before asking you to return to the office.

Who Is a Candidate for Balance Testing?

Any patient who has difficulty maintaining balance or walking experiences frequent dizzy spells, or often feels unsteady could be a good candidate for balance testing. Our staff can see patients who experience any degree of difficulty when balancing, as testing can always be beneficial.

Balance Testing FAQ

When I stand up, I notice that I start to feel a little dizzy and unsteady, but I’m still young. Do I need a balance test?

Yes. No matter your age, it is always best to receive testing when symptoms first begin. Balance disorders can occur in patients of any age, so it is essential to be tested as soon as possible.

I notice my child seems to have difficulty maintaining their balance. They are still relatively young; should their balance be tested?

In some cases, yes. Our providers can examine children to determine if a balance test is necessary. We offer balance testing to patients of all ages.