Balance Testing (VNG)

At Atlantic ENT, we perform advanced balance testing to diagnose dizziness, vertigo, and other balance-related disorders, helping patients regain stability, safety, and peace of mind.

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Comprehensive Balance Testing in Central Florida

If dizziness or unsteadiness interferes with your daily life, it may be time to evaluate your balance system. At Atlantic Ear, Nose & Throat, our specialists provide advanced diagnostic testing to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms. Using state-of-the-art technology, we deliver accurate results and customized treatment plans designed to help you move confidently again.

What Is Balance Testing?

Balance testing is a detailed assessment that examines how your inner ear, eyes, and brain work together to maintain equilibrium. Because balance depends on multiple sensory systems, this testing helps pinpoint where the problem originates—whether in the vestibular (inner ear) system, the nervous system, or visual coordination.

Our board-certified otolaryngologists and audiologists use advanced diagnostic tools to measure how your body responds to movement, sound, and visual stimuli. The results provide crucial insight into dizziness, vertigo, and other balance disorders, allowing for a precise and personalized treatment plan.

What to Expect During Testing

Balance testing typically includes a combination of safe, noninvasive exams that evaluate different aspects of the vestibular system. Depending on your symptoms, your provider may perform one or more of the following:

Videonystagmography (VNG)

This is one of the most common balance tests. VNG uses infrared video goggles to record involuntary eye movements (nystagmus) as you follow moving lights or change head positions. Because the eyes and inner ears are closely linked, these movements help reveal whether dizziness stems from an inner-ear disorder.

Posturography

Posturography assesses your body’s ability to maintain balance while standing on a moving or shifting platform. The test measures how your muscles and joints respond when visual or surface cues are altered, giving valuable data on how your brain integrates sensory input to keep you upright.

Rotational Chair Testing

During this test, you’ll sit in a computer-controlled chair that slowly rotates while your eye movements are recorded. It helps determine how well your inner ear and brain communicate about motion and direction—particularly helpful for diagnosing vestibular system weakness or asymmetry.

Audiometry

Because hearing and balance share the same inner-ear structures, hearing tests are often part of the balance evaluation. Audiometry measures how well you hear tones and speech, helping to identify conditions that affect both hearing and balance.

Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP)

The VEMP test evaluates specific nerves and muscles in the neck and eyes that contribute to balance. By measuring responses to small sound vibrations, it can detect certain vestibular disorders that might not appear on other tests.

Each of these evaluations helps your provider form a complete picture of your balance health and identify the precise cause of your symptoms.

Am I a Candidate for Balance Testing?

If you experience dizziness, vertigo, or frequent unsteadiness, balance testing may be right for you. Symptoms that warrant an evaluation include:

Feeling lightheaded, unsteady, or like the room is spinning
Difficulty standing or walking without support
Frequent falls or fear of falling
Blurred vision when moving your head
Disorientation in dark or crowded spaces
Nausea or motion sensitivity

Balance disorders can affect anyone but are especially common in older adults. Early evaluation can prevent falls and improve overall safety and quality of life.

How Your Ears Affect Balance

Your inner ears play a crucial role in helping your brain interpret movement and maintain stability. Within each inner ear is a structure called the vestibular system, made up of semicircular canals and fluid-filled chambers that detect motion and head position. This information is sent to your brain, which integrates it with signals from your eyes and muscles to keep you balanced.

When part of this system malfunctions—whether due to infection, injury, aging, or neurological conditions—the result can be dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance. Balance testing allows our team to locate the exact source of the disruption, ensuring that your treatment addresses the root cause, not just the symptoms.

Treatment After Balance Testing

Once testing is complete, your provider will review the results in detail and explain the next steps. Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include:

Medication to reduce dizziness or treat inner-ear inflammation
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy to retrain the brain and improve balance control
Canalith repositioning maneuvers for positional vertigo (BPPV)
Lifestyle modifications such as hydration, vision care, or fall prevention strategies
Surgical options in rare cases of structural abnormalities or persistent inner-ear disease

Your treatment plan will be personalized to your specific condition and goals, ensuring lasting symptom relief and improved mobility.

Tips for a Successful Evaluation

To prepare for your balance test, follow these recommendations:

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and antihistamines for 24 hours before your appointment, as they may affect test results.
Bring a list of medications and any recent test results.
Wear comfortable clothing and flat shoes for tests that involve standing or movement.
Arrange transportation if you’re prone to dizziness, as you may feel temporarily lightheaded after testing.

Why Choose Atlantic ENT for Balance Testing?

At Atlantic ENT, we combine advanced diagnostic technology with compassionate, individualized care. Our board-certified ENT physicians and audiologists specialize in identifying and treating balance disorders, ensuring every patient receives clear answers and effective solutions. With three convenient Central Florida offices, same-day scheduling, and a commitment to restoring stability and confidence, Atlantic ENT is your trusted destination for balance and vestibular care.

Balance Testing FAQs

Is balance testing painful?

No. All balance tests are noninvasive and cause little to no discomfort. You may feel brief dizziness during certain tests, which typically resolves quickly.

How long does balance testing take?

Most appointments last between 45 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the number of tests performed.

Can I drive after balance testing?

If you’re prone to dizziness, we recommend arranging transportation, as some tests can temporarily affect balance.

Are results available the same day?

In most cases, yes. Your provider will review your results and discuss a personalized treatment plan immediately after testing.

Does insurance cover balance testing?

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover balance testing when medically necessary. Our staff can help verify your benefits before your appointment.