|
This area provides information about the diagnostic
tests carried out in some Audiology Centres or Hearing, balance
and tinnitus clinics. For more
information about the tests click here
Why do you need tests?
·
To assess your balance and hearing
·
To establish the possible causes of
the problems you are experiencing.
What are the tests?
1. Balance tests
a. Electronystagmography
(ENG)
b. Caloric
test
c. Equitest
2. Hearing tests
a. Pure
tone audiometry (PTA)
b. Tympanogram
c. Auditory
Brainstem Response (ABR)
Most patients have all these, but some have
only a few.
PREPARATION FOR THE TESTS
1. Transport
We recommend that you bring a friend or relative
with you if you have balance problems.
If you are driving and coming on your
own, wait at least one hour after the test before you leave the
hospital. You may feel dizzy after
the tests.
2. Substances
to avoid
(they can affect test results)
· Do
not have alcohol or sleeping tablets the night
before the test
· Stop
anti-dizziness medications at least 48 hours before the test
· Do
not stop other medications unless advised to do
so by the doctor. If you are worried about stopping
medications please contact your GP
· Do
not put on make-up on the day of the test, as recording
leads (small discs) are stuck on your forehead
and on either side of your eyes, to record eye movement.
3. Drinks
and meals
Have a light meal and drink normally before you come.
When will I know the test results?
The doctor will explain the results to you
if all the tests are completed on the same day as you see her/ him.
If the tests are carried out on a different
day, the audiologist will report the results to the doctor, who
will discuss them with you at your next clinic visit.
Please note: as
conditions vary in different hospitals, there may be some variability
in the tests you need to do. However, if you need to have all or
most of these tests, you should expect your appointment to last
the whole morning or afternoon.
For more
information about the tests click here
The Balance Interest
Group would like to thank Dr R Palaniappan for allowing us to adapt
his booklet.
© 2003 Balance Interest Group |
