Balance Testing VNG/ENG
Balance testing, or VNG/ENG testing, is a compilation of several tests that measure eye movements to determine if vertigo is caused by central or peripheral pathology. Eye movement is measured using infrared cameras located in goggles worn by the patient during the evaluation. These tests are noninvasive. However, they may induce dizziness.
The vestibular system is comprised of both peripheral and central components. Peripheral components include the visual system, semicircular canals (inner ear), and a sense of muscular movement. Central components (neuronal) are combined with peripheral sensory information in order to help maintain balance.
Ultimately, the goal of a VNG/ENG is to determine whether vertigo or imbalance is due to a peripheral pathology, central pathology, or a combination of the two.
Generally, audiologists are part of a team of specialists who help to diagnose and treat vestibular disorders.
DID YOU KNOW?
The four primary parts of the VNG test are:
- Ocular mobility. This part of the testing tracks rapid eye movements. The audiologist will be watching for slowness or inaccuracies in the eyes’ ability to follow objects.
2. Optokinetic nystagmus. During this part, the patient will be asked to watch a continuously moving image to see if the eyes can appropriately track the movement.
3. Positional nystagmus. During this part of the test, the technician will move the patient’s head and body into several different positions to make sure that there are no unexpected resulting eye movements. Inappropriate eye movements can be indicative of a peripheral pathology.
4. Caloric testing. Finally, the audiologist will stimulate both of the patient’s inner ears with warm and then cold air to make sure that the ears can sense this stimulation. The ear’s response confirms that the vestibular system for each ear is working correctly.
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“My life is changed forever with my new Phonak Paradise hearing aids. I’m so proud and thankful that I tell everyone I meet how wonderful it is to hear paper rustling and my own footsteps on the floor again. It is a miracle and a blessing. Thank you Adam Dipuccio and doctors at AHG for my new life!!!”
“We want to thank Dr. Johnson and the staff at the South Scottsdale office for their prompt service. When I had a problem with one of my hearing aids, they saw me within an hour of my call to their office, and resolved the problem in a few minutes. We appreciate a business that is so helpful and caring.”
“Dr. Johnson did a wonderful job evaluating what would work for me. He is very pleasant, listens to the needs of the patient, answers all questions, and makes you feel very comfortable. I have been helped with hearing aids for both my tinnitus and hearing loss. Don’t hesitate to go see Dr. Johnson if you are in need… He is the best in the business!”
“I had a hearing aid quit on me. I went into the Mesa location and was greeted by a pleasant young lady and was promptly helped to get my hearing aid working again. And there was no charge !! Great service and pleasant staff. What a great experience !!”
“I have been using AHG for several years and they have been just great to work with. I get the hearing devices I need and they are well taken care of by AHG while I own them. Gary is a great audiologist and the receptionist is always helpful, friendly and available. Try them, you’ll like them.”
“We do not know how to thank you for the amazing professionalism and compassion you demonstrated to our family recently in addressing the hearing loss of my wife. Your kindness far exceeded your obligation as an Audiologist to provide competent professional care and we are very grateful. We were so fortunate to find you.”
Will health insurance cover my hearing aids?
What about ear wax removal?
Insurance covers many hearing & audiology services.
Health insurance companies cover a variety of hearing aids. Since there are often specific requirements, and/or limitations on what or how much is covered, it is important to thoroughly understand what your health plan offers. It is our goal to find the type of hearing aid that is most suitable for your hearing loss. We will also help you understand your treatment options as they relate to your health insurance coverage.
Most insurance typically covers the cost of earwax removal services, with the patient paying only their standard policy deductible. However, the cost of earwax removal is not as expensive as you might think - without going through insurance, the cost of a standard earwax removal is $95.00 for either one ear or two.
We proudly contract with the insurance companies listed below. Our list is constantly growing, so check back often to see if your company is included. Alternatively, you can call us for assistance with your plan’s coverage, or to see if we contract with your insurance.
AARP / AARP Medicare Complete / Banner
ACN Connected Care
Aetna / ALL plans/ Banner
Alaska Care
Arizona Care Network (ACN)
Arizona Complete Health (AHCCCS)
Allwell Commercial / AHCCCS
Ambetter
Ameriben
American Postal Workers Union (APWU)
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment (AHCCCS)
Arizona Medical Network (AMN)
AZ Complete Health Care
Banner Health Network PPO,HMO, Medicare
Banner Medicare Advantage Dual (SNP)
Banner University LTC (AHCCCS)
Banner University Family Care (AHCCCS)
Beech Street
Blue Cross Blue Shield / All Plans / Banner
Cigna / All Plans / Banner
CMDP (AHCCCS)
Cofinity
Core Civic
Coventry
First Health
Fortified Provider Network (HMN)
GEHA
Gilsbar
Golden Rule
Great West Health
Health Choice (AHCCCS)
Health Choice Pathway (SNP)
Health Management Network (HMN)
Healthnet (All Plans)
Health Smart
Humana / All Plans / Banner
ICE Health Services (IHS)
Imperial Insurance
Mail Handlers Benefit Plan (MHBP)
Medicare Part B
Medicare Railroad
Magellan Complete Care
Meritus
Mercy Care Advantage (SNP)
Mercy Care Plan (AHCCCS)
Mercy Care Group Health
Mercy Care RBHA
Mercy Maricopa Integrated
Molina Care (AHCCCS)
Molina Medicare Complete Care
Multiplan/RAN
Oscar Healthcare (Cigna only)
OWCP (Workers Comp.)
Refugee Medical Asst. Program (RMAP)
Southwest Services Administrators
Tricare West Region / HNFS
Triwest / VA Community Care
United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW)
UHC AARP Medicare Complete ( Banner)
UHC Dual Complete (SNP)
UHC Community Plan (AHCCCS)
UMR
United Mine Workers Union (UMWU)
United Healthcare / All Plans / Banner
Wellcare
Washington State Labor of Industry