Department of Audiology

Common Questions and Answers About Balance Function Testing

Q. 2) Who can refer for these balance tests?
A. 2) The specialists who can refer for these balance tests are Neurologists and Otolaryngologists (ENT).

Q. 3) Are there medications which can affect test results?
A. 3) Yes, to get accurate results there are a number of medications that should be discontinued 48 hours prior to testing. These include: Pain pills (with codeine), Sleeping pills, Cold or allergy pills, Antihistamines, Tranquilizers, Anti-nausea pills, Sedatives, Alcohol, Anti-dizziness pills.

Q. 4) How long does testing take?
A. 4) Testing time is approximately one hour for ENG, one hour for Rotary Chair, and forty-five minutes for Posturography.

Q. 5) What instructions are important to know before testing?
A. 5) For ENG and rotary chair, testing is not painful and does not leave ill effects afterwards although, there may be a temporary feeling of dizziness for a few seconds during parts of the tests. Electrodes are placed around the eyes so wearing make-up on the day of testing is not recommended. For posturography, people are advised to wear comfortable clothing and told they will be asked to remove their footwear.

Q. 6) In which Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres are these tests performed?
A. 6) There are two locations which currently conduct ENGs for the NSHSC – The QEII HSC- Dickson Building site and the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney. Rotary Chair and Posturography are conducted exclusively at the QEII HSC – Dickson Building site.

Q. 7) Who can I contact to obtain more information about these tests?
A. 7) Please see the next page for the mailing address and phone numbers of the two Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres who conduct these tests:

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