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AUDIOMETRY (Hearing Test) encompasses a battery of tests which are used to diagnose auditory disorders.  A complete evaluation includes pure tone thresholds via air and bone conduction, speech reception thresholds and speech discrimination.  Immittance Audiometry assess the status of the middle ear system and helps identify the source of hearing loss.  This is a valuable resource for physicians in the management of patients with otitis media or other problems related to the middle ear.  Additionally, this testing evaluates the function of cranial nerves VII and VIII.  Immittance testing routinely includes tympanometry and an assessment of acoustic reflex thresholds

OTOTOXIC MONITORING is used to evaluate the harmful effects of medications which are known to be toxic to the hearing and vestibular systems.  Testing is conducted before, during, and after drug treatment regimens in order to monitor potential changes in hearing acuity.  This monitoring may allow physicians an opportunity to alter a patient's course of treatment when possible.  It also provides an opportunity to counsel patients regarding changing communication abilities and appropriate remediation options. 

VESTIBULAR TESTING FOR POSITIONAL VERTIGO

BPPV - Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is a common cause of dizziness. Symptoms include dizziness, imbalancement, nausea and lightheadedness.  It is caused by "ear rocks" or calcium deposits that have collected in the inner ear.  Usually a change in position of the head elicits symptoms.  Many report the room or objects in the room will spin.  Vertigo when getting out of bed and rolling over in bed are common complaints associated with BPPV.     

BPPV can usually be diagnosed by history and physical examiniation, but the Dix-Hallpike test (also called Nylen-Barany test) verifies the diagnosis for BPPV.         

During the test your doctor will observe any involuntary eye movements (nystagmus) that may occur.  This test locates the cause of vertigo as either the inner ear or the brain. 

Depending on the results elicited, treatment may include the Epley or Semont Maneuver, Brandt - Daroff habituation exercises or vestibular physical therapy.  

For further information go to Vestibular Disorders Association - LINK -