Audiology and Vestibular Evaluations, Testing and Treatment

Neurology and Physical therapy Centers of Tampa Bay provides diagnostic audiological evaluations, central auditory processing testing, dizziness, vertigo and balance evaluations, as well as vestibular rehabilitation after a traumatic injury from a car accident, falling down, or objects that may have struck your head.
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Some of the most common symptoms experienced following head or neck trauma and/or injury are dizziness, vertigo and tinnitus. Comprehensive evaluation of the audio-vestibular system may assist in diagnosing various disorders such as: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), labyrinthine concussion, utriculosaccular injuries, perilymphatic fistula, unilateral and bilateral vestibular loss, post concussive dizziness, noise induced hearing loss, conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss and possible processing disorder.
What can I expect during my Visit?
Our Doctor of Audiology may perform one or more of the following tests during your appointment depending on your symptoms and complaints: 

​Videonystagmography (VNG)

Refers to a group of tests using goggles with video cameras to monitor eye movement. The measurement of eye movement evaluates signs of vestibular dysfunction or neurological problems. Generally, these tests are performed in a room that is dark with eye makeup removed. The examiner may ask random questions that are meant to occupy the patient and keep them alert during testing. It is very important to keep your eyes open during this test. VNG tests are the most common tests administered to people with dizziness, vertigo and/or imbalance.

​The first part of the VNG test battery evaluates the movement of the eyes as they follow different visual targets. The second part of the VNG observes eye movement as the head is placed in different positions. A third component of the VNG is called the caloric test, which uses cool and warm air temperature within the ear canal to stimulate part of the vestibular system. Air or water may be used, which may be warmer or cooler than body temperature. This should provoke jerking eye movement (Nystagmus) for a short period of time. ​

Otoacoustic Emissions Testing (OAE)

OAE testing provides information about the outer hair cells of the hearing organ, the cochlea. It is performed by measuring the responsiveness of hair cells to a series of clicks and tones produced by a tiny speaker inserted in the ear canal. The patient is to sit quietly and relaxed during this test.

Tympanometry and Acoustic Stapedial Reflex

Tympanometry creates pressure and plays sound in the ear canal to gather information about the compliance of the middle ear. It can provide information on the presence of an outer or middle ear disorder. The same equipment can also be used for acoustic-reflex testing, which measures the contraction of the stapedial reflex in the middle ear in response to pressure and loud sound. Acoustic reflexes can provide information on cochlear and lower brainstem involvement.

Cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (CVEMP)

The purpose of the CVEMP test is to determine if the saccule, a sensory organ within the vestibular system, as well the inferior vestibular nerve and central connections, are functioning. It can also test the presence of a semicircular canal dehiscence. 
​This test may be valuable when a patient reports dizziness, Vertigo or balance issues.

Auditory Evoked Potential - ABR

The ABR is an objective test that can be used to estimate hearing sensitivity. It's also used to identify neurological abnormalities of the auditory nerve and the auditory pathway through the lower brainstem. This test may be valuable to determine if the cochlear nerve pathology is associated with hearing loss and/or tinnitus.  During the test, loud clicks are presented to the ears as the patient lies flat and still on a mat table with their eyes closed. 

Comprehensive Audiometry

Audiometry is the examination of hearing sensitivity documented on a graph, known as an audiogram. A hearing test may provide valuable information when a person is dizzy, feels as though their hearing is fluctuating, has a sensation of fullness in the ears, or tinnitus (ringing in the ears). An audiometer is used to present words and tones at different pitches and levels via headphones. A response is requested when these sounds are heard by pushing a button, or repeating words out loud.

Electrocochleography (ECOG)

The ECOG is also an objective test that measures a recording from the nervous system in response to sound. It measures imbalance between the fluids within the inner ear. Electrodes are placed on the patient's forehead and deep inside each ear canal as the patient lies still on a mat table. 

How is the testing administered?

You will be in a quiet room either sitting or lying down on a cushioned mat table for the hearing exam and vestibular evaluation. It is recommended that eye makeup be removed prior to testing. You will be asked to wear over the head headphones during the hearing test, and nerve assessments and a pair of goggles for the VNG testing.

What happens after the testing?

After the testing is completed, the audiologist will interpret the results of testing and exam with the ordering physician to develop a therapeutic care plan. A canal re-positioning maneuver may be used in the cases of BPPV, immediately following the testing. Depending on the diagnosis, therapy may include vestibular rehabilitation therapy. 

What is vestibular rehabilitation therapy?

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of therapy incorporated to help alleviate difficulties that may be caused by vestibular disorders. It is a customized exercise-based program that is personalized for the patient's particular vestibular pathologies. VRT may include exercises that help reduce vertigo and dizziness, gaze instability , and/or imbalance and falls. Typically this is administered by a licensed physical therapist. 

The Neurology and Physical Therapy Centers of Tampa Bay accepts all auto insurance for
for audiology testing for dizziness, balance, vertigo, hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) from an injury.

Personal Injury Protection Insurance (PIP), Florida No Fault Insurance and Medical Pay Auto Coverage

Dizziness, Balance, Vertigo, Hearing and Tinnitus Testing in Tampa
Telephone 813-831-6622
2835 W. De Leon St.
Suite 205
Tampa, FL  33609