Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy Associates P.S.
Specializing in disorders of the Ear, Nose and Throat.

ENG Testing Northwest Hearing Center of Puyallup

Electronystagmography (ENG) Testing

Electronystagmography testing consists of a number of sub-tests that help us determine the cause of dizziness / vertigo / light-headedness. Specifically, this test looks to see if there is a problem or disorder with the vestibular (balance) portion of the inner ear. These tests can help isolate the dizziness symptoms to a specific cause that may be possible to treat. The ENG is divided into three sections. The first section (oculomotor) is a series of tests that evaluated the eye movements as they follow a moving target. The patient is seated at a table and is asked to follow a small dot with only moving the eyes. The second section (positionals) of the ENG is a series of tests where the patient lies on an exam table with special goggles. These goggles record and analyze the eye movements as the body is moved into different positions. The third section (calorics) is a test of the inner ear response to cold and warm air. The patient lies at a 45-degree angle with the goggles over the eyes and the air is then circulated through the ear canal. This test takes approximately one-hour. Patients sometimes feel dizzy or nauseated at the end of testing, so it is recommended that someone drive patients to and from testing. It is also recommended that the patient dress in comfortable clothes, preferably in pants. Patients are asked not to wear any eye make-up the day of testing and, if the patient chooses to eat prior to testing, eat a light meal. There are many medications and substances that can affect the results of the ENG test.
It is important that patients discontinue tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol 48-hours prior to testing. Also, it will be necessary for patients to discontinue these medications 48-hours prior to testing:

Antihistamines
Anti-dizziness medications
Anti-nausea medications
Cough or cold medications (over-the-counter or prescribed)
Decongestants
Muscle relaxants
Pain killers
Sedatives
Vestibular suppressants

Do not discontinue medications prescribed for diabetes, cardiac conditions, seizure activity, or blood pressure management. Do not stop taking life-supporting medications. Please phone your physician if you are not sure if your medication is life-supporting. Before discontinuing any medication, please consult with the prescribing physician.