If you answer yes to the question below, you may be a candidate for Vestibular Function Testing

• Do you ever feel like you or the room is spinning?

If you feel you are in need of or may benefit from an assessment of your dizziness, it is important that you discuss this with your physician (or primary care physician) and have them refer you to our clinic. A physician's referral is necessary to be seen for Vestibular Function Testing with Henry Ford Health.

A vestibular function test helps to check how well the inner ear balance system works.[No text in field]

Henry Ford Hospital Detroit

• Clinic is located on K-8.
• (313) 916-3272

Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital

• Go to the Cardiology department in the East Wing. Check in with the Cardiology desk.
• Do not go to the Audiology department.
• (248) 661-6472

If you are unable to keep your appointment or have any questions, please notify us as soon as possible.

If you have been referred to the Henry Ford Division of Audiology by your audiologist, primary care physician or ear, nose and throat physician for a hearing test or vestibular test, you probably have questions about what to expect.

A Henry Ford Audiologist will evaluate your inner ear balance system. The evaluation assesses your inner ear and brain to determine what may or may not be causing your dizziness or balance problem. A complete Vestibular Function Test takes approximately two hours. It consists of the Videonystagmography (VNG), Rotational Chair examination, and possible other tests depending on test results and your symptoms.

The VNG involves the patient lying on a table and following targets with their eyes, then having warm and cool air into the ears for a brief period of time (approximately 1 minute), while the Rotary Chair rotates back and forth. 

The Henry Ford Division of Audiology utilizes the most advanced technology and equipment to administer your hearing test or vestibular test to ensure the most accurate diagnosis. This information will be used by your audiologist or referring physician to develop a treatment plan that will result in the best possible outcome.

Your vestibular test will be completed by a licensed audiologist. 

• The test takes up to 2 hours to complete.
• The vestibular function test is made up of several different tests that will help figure out what is causing your dizziness or imbalance symptoms

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time. The following guidelines are recommended to prepare for this evaluation:

• Bring your walking aid (cane, walker) if you use one.
• Medications—Tranquilizers, sedatives, antihistamines or any medications for dizziness must be STOPPED for 48 hours prior to your evaluation appointment. Please consult with your physician before discontinuing any medications.
• If you are diabetic, epileptic, have heart problems or high blood pressure, please CONTINUE your medications.
• Do NOT eat four hours prior to the examination if you are prone to motion sickness
• Do NOT drink any alcoholic beverages 48 hours prior to your evaluation appointment
• Do not wear any makeup around the eyes
• Do NOT eat or drink anything containing caffeine the day of the test. This includes chocolate, coffee, tea and soda.