Hearing and balance are closely connected through the inner ear. Discover how comprehensive hearing and vestibular function tests help identify the root cause of symptoms like dizziness, tinnitus, and hearing loss—using a holistic, evidence-based testing approach.
Hearing and Vestibular Function Tests: Your Comprehensive Guide
At Harley AVM, we understand that hearing and balance go hand in hand. Your inner ear is responsible for both, so any issue with one part can affect the other. Below, we’ve outlined the key tests for each system and why a thorough, “battery” approach is the best way to get a complete picture of your ear health.
Why Test Both Hearing & Balance?
hared Inner Ear Structures: The cochlea (for hearing) and the semicircular canals (for balance) are neighbours. A problem in one can impact the other.
Precise Diagnosis: Symptoms like dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or hearing difficulties can overlap. Testing both systems pinpoints the root cause.
Holistic Treatment: Once we identify the specific issue, we can tailor treatment—be it medical, rehabilitative, or supportive—more accurately.
Hearing Assessment
When we assess hearing, we like to think of it in two broad categories: subjective and objective tests.
Subjective tests, such as traditional pure-tone audiometry (PTA) or speech audiometry, rely on active participation—perhaps pressing a button when you hear a beep or repeating words at various volumes. These tests help us understand your hearing “threshold” in real-world contexts.
Objective tests measure the body’s automatic responses. For example, Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) reveal whether your cochlea is generating the tiny echoes it normally should, while Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) tracks electrical signals that travel from the hearing nerve to the brainstem. These tests allow us to gather precise information about your auditory pathway without needing a response from you.
Understanding Your Balance: A Comprehensive Approach to Vestibular Testing
Evaluating the vestibular (balance) system can be a bit more involved, but the principle is the same: different parts of the inner ear do different jobs, so a single test rarely gives us the full picture.
For instance, certain tests focus on the semicircular canals, which handle rotational movements of the head. Others assess the utricle and saccule, which help detect linear motion and gravitational pull. By measuring your eye movements in different situations—like a quick head impulse test or monitoring how warm or cool air in the ear canal affects balance signals—we can pinpoint whether dizziness stems from an inner ear issue or if it’s something going on in the brain.
You may wonder why so many tests are necessary. The truth is, no individual assessment is perfect. One might be very good at picking up a particular type of problem (making it highly “sensitive”), but it might also flag abnormalities that aren’t truly there (affecting its “specificity”). Another test might be more specific but less sensitive. By combining a series of tests into what we call a “battery,” we minimize the risk of overlooking a subtle issue or misdiagnosing a problem. Think of it like putting several puzzle pieces together: each piece on its own gives you a part of the picture, but only when all the pieces fit do you see the whole scene.
At Harley AVM, we take pride in using this holistic, evidence-based approach. We aren’t simply running tests for the sake of it; each one has a role to play in clarifying your unique situation. From there, we can discuss the best way forward—whether that’s a new hearing device, balance therapy exercises, or further medical care. You should feel confident in the knowledge that we’re looking at all the possibilities, not just a narrow slice of the problem.
If you’ve been experiencing hearing difficulties, unexplained dizziness, or other balance concerns, we invite you to reach out to us. Our team is here to guide you with expertise, understanding, and a genuine commitment to helping you hear more clearly and feel more stable in your daily life. We’ll be by your side at every step, ensuring you have all the information and support you need to move forward with confidence.
Take the Next Step with Harley AVM
Early assessment is key. At Harley AVM, our team of specialists will guide you through the entire process—making sure you receive a thorough evaluation of both your hearing and balance systems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our comprehensive testing services.
