With such a wide range of hearing and balance disorders, many of which have similar symptoms, it’s important for an ear, nose and throat doctor to make an accurate diagnosis in order to come up with a successful treatment plan. Diagnostic testing plays an important role in determining the condition responsible for a patient’s suffering.
What Are the Types of Diagnostic Tests?
An ENT physician has a number of diagnostic tests available, ranging from X-rays and CT scans to more in-depth tests. Here are some of the most common:
- Acoustic Immittance Measures. These tests evaluate the eardrum and middle ear and are used to determine which part of the ear is affected by hearing loss.
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR). This neurologic test provides information about the electrical activity in the auditory pathway between the inner ear and the brain, and measures a person’s hearing sensitivity.
- Electrocochleography. This test is used to determine whether there is excess fluid in the inner ear by measuring the electrical currents generated by sound stimulation, and can help with the diagnosis of Meniere’s disease and other balance and hearing disorders.
- Electronystagmography (ENG). This test measures eye movements in order to assess the functioning of the vestibular system, responsible for balance.
- Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE). This test measures the response of hair cells in the inner ear when stimulated, and can indicate the presence of a conductive hearing loss.
These diagnostic tests are quick, painless, and can help us diagnose and evaluate a variety of hearing and balance disorders.
Call ENT Specialists of Metairie at (504) 889-5335 for more information or to schedule an appointment.