If you’ve never had vestibular testing before, you may be wondering what to expect. We’ll guide you through the process from start to finish and explain what each test is looking at and why it is being performed.
You’ll need a medical referral
A referral from a GP or medical specialist is required for your appointment to be bulk billed.
You can use your doctor’s referral letter requesting a hearing and balance assessment (audiometry and vestibular assessment), or download our referral form.
Please note: We do not accept care plans.
A few simple things will help us get the most accurate results.
Allow up to 2 hours
Some appointments may be quicker, but it is best to plan on being with us for the full two hours.
Come without facial products
For the most accurate results, please avoid facial moisturiser, sunscreen and makeup, particularly around the eyes, as these can interfere with some of our test recordings.
Keep taking your medications
You do not need to stop taking your regular medications unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
You don’t need to have symptoms on the day
Many vestibular conditions are intermittent, so testing can still provide useful information even when you are feeling well.
Easy to find, directly behind Chelsea Station.
Ears in Balance is located next to the Cellarbrations store at Shop 3, 334–339 Station Street, Chelsea.
Parking
There is ample 3-hour parking around the corner on Blantyre Avenue and Catherine Avenue, as well as 90-minute parking directly in front of the clinic.
We start by listening.
Your appointment begins with a detailed discussion about your symptoms and medical history. We’ll ask about your dizziness or balance problems, when they occur, what brings them on and any other relevant symptoms.
We assess different parts of your balance system.
A typical assessment may include:
Videonystagmography
Records your eye movements and assesses visual tracking to assess for vestibular dysfunction and/or neurological problems.
Video Head Impulse Test
Assesses the parts of the inner ear that detect rotational head movement and help keep vision stable when the head moves.
Positional Testing
Checks for the most common cause of vertigo, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
VEMP Testing
Assesses the gravity-sensing organs and associated pathways of the inner ear.
Will the tests make me dizzy?
Most vestibular tests do not typically cause significant dizziness. Some tests can briefly reproduce your symptoms, particularly if you have an active vestibular condition such as BPPV.
If a test makes you uncomfortable, we can modify or stop it at any time. We’ll always explain what to expect before we begin.
We’ll explain your results before you leave.
Understanding your results
We’ll talk you through your results in straightforward terms and discuss any findings that may help explain your symptoms.
What happens next
We’ll provide recommendations for what to do next. In some cases, we may need to review your results further before finalising our interpretation.
Your report
Your report is overseen by Dr Luke Chen and, once finalised and signed off, is sent to your referring doctor.
There are a few things we’re asked all the time.
Visit our FAQs for answers about referrals, appointments, testing, results and what to bring with you.
See what to expect at your appointment
These videos are a quick summery of what usually happens in an appointment at Ears in Balance
