How can we help?
Ears in Balance provides specialised assessment of dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders.
Our vestibular function testing assesses how well your inner ear and balance system are working. The results can help identify whether your inner ear may be contributing to your symptoms and provide your doctor with objective information to assist with diagnosis and management.
When are these tests useful?
Our service can help investigate the possible causes of dizziness, vertigo and balance problems and provide information about how your inner ear and balance system may be contributing to your symptoms.
An assessment may be particularly useful if:
- You have never received a clear diagnosis for your dizziness or balance problems.
- You have been told you have “vertigo” but have not been given an explanation for what is causing it.
- You have not been given clear treatment or management options.
- You already have a diagnosis but your symptoms have changed.
- You would like a second opinion or further investigation.
How much does an appointment cost?
There are no out-of-pocket expenses. If you have a valid Medicare card and a medical referral, all appointments are bulk billed.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. You will need a referral from a medical professional, such as a GP, ENT or neurologist, for your appointment to be bulk billed.
We do not accept care plans.
You can provide either a referral letter from your medical professional or use our referral form.
What are Vestibular Function Tests?
Vestibular Function Tests (VFTs) are a series of specialised tests that assess how well your inner ear and balance system are working.
Different tests assess different parts of the balance system. Together, they can help us understand whether your inner ear may be contributing to symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, imbalance or unsteadiness.
The results provide objective information that can help your doctor with diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management.
How long is an appointment?
We allow 2 hours for each appointment.
Sometimes testing can be completed in less time, but we recommend allowing the full 2 hours. This ensures we have enough time to complete the appropriate testing, explain your results, discuss any recommendations and answer your questions.
Will I know the results of my tests?
Yes. We will explain your results during your appointment and discuss any recommendations with you.
In some cases, we may seek a second opinion or additional specialist input before finalising or confirming your results. This helps ensure your results are interpreted as accurately as possible.
When will my doctor receive my results?
Our reports are overseen by Dr Luke Chen. Once your report has been reviewed and signed off, it will generally be faxed to your referring doctor the following Monday.
In some circumstances, we may be able to arrange an urgent report on the same day. Please speak with us if you require your results urgently.
Will I see Dr Luke Chen?
No. Dr Luke Chen provides medical oversight of our service and reviews and signs off on our reports and results, but he does not consult with patients from our rooms.
How do I see Dr Luke Chen?
If you would like to consult with Dr Luke Chen, you will need to arrange a separate referral from your GP or specialist.
Dr Chen consults at:
Should I still come if I’m not dizzy on the day?
Yes — absolutely.
You do not need to be experiencing symptoms on the day of your appointment. Many vestibular conditions are intermittent, meaning symptoms can come and go.
Even when you are feeling well, testing can provide valuable information about how your inner ear and balance system are functioning.
Do I need to stop taking my medication?
No. We do not require you to stop taking your medications before your appointment.
Please continue taking your usual medications as prescribed.
Will the tests make me dizzy?
Most of our tests do not typically provoke dizziness.
If you are already experiencing symptoms during your appointment, some tests may reproduce your symptoms. We can modify or stop testing at any time if you are uncomfortable.
If you have active BPPV, the Dix-Hallpike test may briefly reproduce your dizziness. This is usually short-lived, and if BPPV is identified, we can begin treatment straight away. We will always explain what to expect before performing the test.
Caloric testing can also cause short-lasting dizziness. However, this is not part of our standard assessment. It is only performed when specifically requested by your doctor or when indicated by the results of your other testing. If caloric testing is required, it will generally be arranged as a separate appointment and we will explain the procedure beforehand.
Should I get someone to drive me?
Most people are able to drive themselves to and from their appointment.
However, some vestibular tests can occasionally provoke temporary dizziness or imbalance. If you are currently very symptomatic, feel unsteady, or are unsure how you may feel afterwards, it is safer to arrange for someone to drive you.
If in doubt, having someone drive you can give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on your assessment.
Is there parking?
Yes. There is 3-hour parking available on Blantyre Avenue and Catherine Avenue.
There are also 1.5-hour car parks directly out the front of the clinic, as well as a loading zone for drop-offs.
What if I am traveling by public transport?
We are located directly opposite Chelsea station.
Do you do earwax removal?
No, we do not provide earwax removal.