VNG Testing
Videonystagmography, or VNG testing, is an exam of the balance system. It is used to determine the cause of a patient’s dizziness. Specifically, it measures whether a balance disorder can be attributed to a vestibular deficit (inner ear disease). How Does VNG Testing Work? VNG testing uses a combination of video goggles and infrared cameras…
Balance Disorders
Medical Conditions of the Ears
Acoustic Neuromas
What Is an Acoustic Neuroma? An acoustic neuroma is a benign growth of the auditory nerve. Although it is slow-growing and non-malignant, it can be problematic because it can potentially impact hearing, balance, tinnitus, and/or facial function. These growths are rare, occurring in only 1 out of 100,000 people per year. An acoustic neuroma (also…
Ear Infection
What Causes Ear Infections? Middle ear infection (otitis media) often occurs after a cold or with an infection of the upper airway. The Eustachian tube aerates the middle ear to prevent fluid from collecting. The Eustachian tube is a channel from the back of the throat to the ear allowing air to fill the middle…
Cholesteatoma
What is a Cholesteatoma? A Cholesteatoma is a growth of skin cells commonly occurring behind the ear drum that can cause damage to the ear drum, erode the middle ear bones and in some cases, impact the inner ear. Untreated cholesteatomas can lead to more serious problems including: chronic ear infections, permanent hearing loss, and…
Eardrum Perforation
What Does an Eardrum Do? The eardrum has two main roles: Hearing. Your eardrum vibrates from sound waves striking it. In turn, structures in your middle and inner ear translate sound waves into nerve impulses. Protection. Your eardrum acts as a barrier to protect your middle ear from water, bacteria, and foreign substances. What is…
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Eustachian tubes are the narrow passageways that run between the middle ear and upper throat. Their purpose is to equalize pressure and drain fluid from your middle ear. The Eustachian tubes typically remain closed until you chew, swallow or yawn. These tubes can sometimes become blocked, a condition that is called Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). What Are…