Specialist vestibular assessment.
Diagnostic testing for dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders, in Christchurch.
What vestibular testing can identify
Vestibular assessment examines the inner ear, the eye movement pathways it connects to, and how the two function together, so we can identify a cause rather than just describe a symptom.
- Vestibular neuritis
- Meniere's disease
- Vestibular migraine
- BPPV (Vertigo)
- Bilateral vestibular loss
- Superior canal dehiscence
Assessment can also exclude these conditions, which matters just as much when determining next steps.
Our Services
Four assessment and treatment options. No referral or diagnosis is required to book.
Initial Balance & Dizziness Assessment
If you're unsure whether comprehensive vestibular testing is necessary, start with a 60-minute initial consultation.
We'll discuss your symptoms and medical history and undertake an initial clinical assessment. Your clinician will then recommend whether further vestibular testing would be beneficial, and which tests would be of value.
Comprehensive Balance (Vestibular) Assessment
Recommended for persistent or complex dizziness, vertigo and balance problems, and for specialist referrals.
This assessment investigates multiple components of the vestibular system rather than relying on a single test. Depending on your symptoms and clinical history, testing may include VNG, vHIT, caloric testing, cVEMP, oVEMP, positional testing, electrocochleography and audiological assessment.
Results are interpreted together to give a complete picture of vestibular function. A comprehensive diagnostic report is provided and, with your consent, shared with your referring specialist or healthcare provider.
Your clinician selects the tests appropriate to your symptoms.
Lightweight goggles record your eye response to small, quick head movements, assessing all six semicircular canals.
A series of eye movement tasks recorded in a darkened room. Your eyes and inner ears are directly connected, so how your eyes move reveals a great deal about your balance system.
Sound stimuli with sensors measuring neck and eye muscle response. Assesses the saccule, utricle and associated nerve pathways.
Each inner ear assessed separately using gentle warm and cool air. One of the most sensitive tests for unilateral vestibular weakness. Brief dizziness is common and settles within minutes.
Measures electrical activity generated by the inner ear in response to sound. Used to investigate pressure-related conditions such as Meniere's disease.
Hearing assessment. Hearing and balance share the same inner ear structures, so results often inform the vestibular picture.
Vertigo Rehabilitation (BPPV)
BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo, caused by displaced crystals in the inner ear.
Specialised positional tests confirm whether BPPV is present and identify the affected canal. Where indicated, it is treated in the same appointment using a canal-specific repositioning manoeuvre.
- Standalone diagnosis available without a prior full assessment
- Canal-specific repositioning — not a generic manoeuvre
- Most patients improve within 1–3 visits
VEMP & Electrocochleography (ECochG)
A targeted assessment for patients referred by an ENT specialist, neurologist or audiologist requiring these specific tests rather than a full vestibular workup.
Combines cVEMP, oVEMP and electrocochleography to assess saccular and utricular function and inner ear pressure. Commonly requested where Meniere's disease or superior canal dehiscence is suspected.
Results are interpreted on the day and reported to the referring clinician.
Not sure which assessment to book?
Find the description that sounds most like your situation, or symptoms.
I'm not sure what is causing my dizziness, or what testing I need
Initial Balance & Dizziness Assessment
BookI have persistent, recurring or complex dizziness or imbalance and want a full investigation
Comprehensive Balance (Vestibular) Assessment
BookMy ENT or specialist has requested comprehensive vestibular testing
Comprehensive Balance (Vestibular) Assessment
BookI get brief spinning when rolling over in bed, looking up or changing position
Vertigo Rehabilitation (BPPV)
BookMy specialist has specifically requested VEMP or ECochG testing
VEMP & Electrocochleography (ECochG)
BookMy specialist has requested a particular vestibular test
Contact us and we'll arrange the appropriate assessment
Contact usPreparing for your appointment
What to bring
A list of current medications, and any previous test results or specialist correspondence.
During testing
No test is painful. Caloric testing can cause brief dizziness. Each test is explained before it begins.
Getting home
We recommend arranging transport following a comprehensive assessment.
Your results
Discussed with you on the day. A full written report follows within 48 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Still not sure?
Call us and we'll talk through your symptoms and point you to the right assessment.
027 241 1263Do I need a referral?
No. You can book any of our assessments directly. We also accept referrals from GPs, ENT specialists, neurologists and audiologists, and you do not need a confirmed diagnosis to be seen.
What is the difference between the initial and the comprehensive assessment?
The initial assessment is a 60-minute consultation covering your symptoms, history and an initial clinical examination. It is designed to work out what is going on and whether further testing is warranted.
The comprehensive assessment is a full diagnostic workup of up to 2.5 hours, combining multiple specialised tests. If we recommend it after your initial assessment, your initial fee is credited towards it.
Will the testing make me feel dizzy?
Some tests can bring on brief dizziness, caloric testing in particular. It usually settles within a few minutes. Nothing we do is painful, and your clinician explains each test before it begins and checks in with you throughout.
Can I drive myself home?
Most people are fine to drive after a shorter appointment. Following a comprehensive assessment we recommend arranging transport, as you may feel unsteady for a period afterwards.
How long will my appointment take?
Initial Balance & Dizziness Assessment, 60 minutes. Comprehensive Balance Assessment, up to 2.5 hours. Vertigo Rehabilitation, 45 minutes. VEMP & ECochG, 60 minutes.
When will I get my results?
Your clinician interprets your results on the day and discusses them with you before you leave. A full written report, including recommendations for next steps, follows within 48 hours and can be sent to your GP or specialist with your consent.
Is any of this covered by ACC or health insurance?
We work with ACC NZ, AIA, NIB and SCHI. Cover depends on your circumstances and your policy, so please contact us before booking if you would like to check what applies to you.
What should I bring to my appointment?
A list of your current medications, and any previous test results or specialist correspondence relating to your dizziness, hearing or balance. If you have been referred, we will already have your referral on file.
My specialist has requested a specific test. Can you arrange that?
Yes. Contact us with the details of what has been requested and we will arrange the appropriate appointment.
Where are you located?
Forté 2, Level 2, 132 Peterborough Street, Christchurch, within Forté Health. We see patients from across Canterbury and the wider South Island.
Referring a patient to one of these services?
A confirmed diagnosis is not required. We accept referrals from GPs, ENTs, neurologists, and other audiologists across Canterbury and the South Island. Reports include test results, clinical interpretation and recommendations for next steps, provided within 48 hours.