Vestibular Testing for Dizziness and Vertigo in Frankfort, IL

If you are experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or a spinning sensation, identifying the cause is an important first step. At Freedom Hearing and Speech, we provide vestibular testing to evaluate how your inner ear and balance system are functioning.
Vestibular testing is a specialized form of balance testing that focuses specifically on the inner ear — a common source of dizziness and vertigo. Our goal is to determine whether your symptoms are related to the vestibular system and help guide the next steps for your care.

What Is Vestibular Testing?

Vestibular testing evaluates the balance system in the inner ear, which works with your eyes and brain to help you stay steady and oriented.
When this system is not functioning properly, it can lead to dizziness, spinning sensations, or unsteadiness. These tests help identify the source of the problem so it can be properly addressed.

What Causes Dizziness and Vertigo?

Dizziness and vertigo can have many causes, but the inner ear is often involved. The vestibular system helps detect motion and maintain balance.
Common conditions include:

  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
  • Meniere’s disease
  • Vestibular neuritis

Other medical or neurological conditions may also contribute, which is why testing is important.

Symptoms That May Require Vestibular Testing

You may benefit from vestibular testing if you experience:
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Vertigo (spinning sensation)
  • Difficulty with balance
  • Feeling unsteady when walking
  • Motion sensitivity
  • Blurred vision with movement
  • Ringing in the ears or changes in hearing

Vestibular Testing Services

We offer a range of tests to evaluate how your vestibular system is functioning.

ENG & VNG

These tests measure eye movements to evaluate how the inner ear and brain coordinate balance. They are commonly used to identify vestibular disorders and assess how each ear is functioning.

Rotary Chair Testing

This test evaluates how both inner ears respond to controlled movement and can help identify more complex balance disorders.

oVEMP

oVEMP testing evaluates specific pathways in the vestibular system related to eye movement and balance.

cVEMP

cVEMP testing measures how the inner ear communicates with neck muscles and provides additional information about vestibular function.

ECoG

ECoG measures electrical activity in the inner ear and can help detect changes in fluid pressure, often used when evaluating conditions such as Meniere's disease.

What to Expect During Vestibular Testing

Vestibular testing is non-invasive and performed in a clinical setting. Depending on your symptoms, testing may include:

  • Wearing goggles that track eye movements
  • Changing positions or head movements
  • Listening to sounds through headphones
  • Mild stimulation of the inner ear

Some tests may briefly bring on dizziness so your provider can observe how your system responds. This is expected and usually passes quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vestibular Testing

Vestibular testing evaluates how the balance system in your inner ear is functioning and helps identify causes of dizziness and imbalance.

Vestibular testing is a type of balance testing that focuses specifically on the inner ear, which is a common source of dizziness.

Vestibular testing can help diagnose conditions such as:

  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
  • Meniere's disease
  • Vestibular neuritis

It can also identify general inner ear dysfunction.

Most vestibular evaluations take about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the tests performed.

Most tests are well tolerated. Some may briefly cause dizziness, which is expected and usually resolves quickly.

Some patients can schedule directly, while others may need a referral depending on their insurance. Contact our office for details.

Vestibular Testing: Understanding Your Results

After testing, our audiology team will review the results with you and explain what may be causing your symptoms. This information helps guide your treatment or prompt a referral, depending on your needs. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact us today.

Don’t ignore dizziness or balance problems — schedule your vestibular evaluation today.

Call 815-629-3630 or contact us online to schedule an appointment at Freedom Hearing and Speech today.