Balance is something many people take for granted until it becomes an issue. If you’re dealing with dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems, your inner ear may actually be the source of the problem.
One of the most effective ways to diagnose inner ear disorders is through balance testing. Here, we’ll explain what balance testing is, how it helps with the diagnosis of inner ear disorders, and what patients can expect during VNG (Videonystagmography) and ENG (Electronystagmography) tests.
What is Balance Testing?
Balance testing involves a series of evaluations that measure how well your inner ear, eyes, and brain work together to maintain your sense of balance. Since the inner ear plays a crucial role in helping the body remain stable, any malfunction or disorder within the inner ear can result in balance issues.
There are several types of balance tests. However, VNG and ENG are two of the most commonly used methods for assessing inner ear disorders. These tests help audiologists determine whether the balance issues originate from the inner ear (vestibular system) or from other parts of the body.
How Does Balance Testing Help with the Diagnosis of Inner Ear Disorders?
The inner ear, specifically the vestibular system, is responsible for providing the brain with important information about head movements and spatial orientation. When this system is impaired, the brain may receive confusing signals. This often leads to dizziness, vertigo, or a loss of balance.
Balance testing evaluates how well your vestibular system is functioning. For example, VNG and ENG tests measure involuntary eye movements that occur in response to changes in head position or movement. Since the eyes and ears work closely together to maintain balance, observing eye movement can provide valuable insights into inner ear health.
When audiologists can pinpoint the cause of balance issues, they can develop more accurate and effective treatment plans. Balance problems are often related to conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, or vestibular neuritis. Regardless of the cause, balance testing is a key step in the diagnostic process.
What to Expect During VNG and ENG Balance Testing
Videonystagmography (VNG) and Electronystagmography (ENG) tests are widely used to assess balance function. Both tests examine involuntary eye movements, but they use different methods for recording them:
- VNG uses infrared cameras to track eye movements.
- ENG uses electrodes placed around the eyes to detect movements.
Here’s what patients can expect during these tests:
- Pre-test Preparation: Before the test, your doctor may ask you to avoid consuming certain substances, such as alcohol, caffeine, or medications. That’s because these substances could affect the test results.
- Initial Evaluations: During the VNG/ENG test, you’ll be seated in a dark room. The audiologist will ask you to follow a series of moving lights or objects with your eyes. This step helps assess how your eyes and inner ear work together to track motion.
- Positional Testing: Next, your head and body may be moved into different positions to see if this triggers any unusual eye movements. This part of the test is essential in diagnosing positional vertigo or other vestibular disorders.
- Caloric Testing: In some cases, warm or cool air or water is introduced into the ear canal to stimulate the inner ear. The audiologist will then monitor your eye movements in response to the temperature change. This helps assess how well the vestibular system is functioning.
- Results and Diagnosis: Once the test is complete, your audiologist will analyze the data and determine whether the cause of your balance issues lies within the inner ear. The results from these tests will help guide the treatment plan.
Balance Testing and the Evaluation of Inner Ear Disorders in Mesa and Scottsdale, AZ
Balance testing plays a crucial role in diagnosing inner ear disorders. Through tests like VNG and ENG, audiologists can identify the source of balance problems and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
If you’re experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues, talk to your healthcare provider about balance testing. Then, schedule an appointment with one of our Mesa or Scottsdale audiologists. Through balance testing and diagnosis of inner ear disorders, we can help you find the right treatment and potentially avoid further complications.
Additional Resources About Balance Testing and Inner Ear Disorders:
National Institutes of Health: VNG/ENG Testing
UChicago Medicine: Inner Ear Balance (Vestibular) Disorders
