Balance and Vestibular Testing in Lafayette, Louisiana
ACI Hearing Center diagnoses and treats dizziness, vertigo, BPPV, vestibular migraine, and other balance disorders. Our four Doctors of Audiology have been serving Lafayette and Acadiana since 1984, and we are one of the few practices in the region with full in-office vestibular testing and BPPV treatment.
What dizziness can mean
Dizziness is one of the most common reasons adults visit a doctor, but it is also one of the most misdiagnosed. The word "dizzy" can mean very different things: spinning vertigo, lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or a floating sensation. Each one points to a different part of the body, and finding the cause is the first step toward feeling better.
Most dizziness has one of three sources: the inner ear balance system, the brain and its connections, or the cardiovascular system. ACI Hearing Center evaluates the inner ear piece. When testing rules out an inner ear cause or points to a brain or cardiovascular issue, we coordinate with your primary care doctor, ENT, or neurologist.
Conditions we evaluate and treat
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) — the most common cause of vertigo. Brief spinning episodes triggered by rolling over in bed or looking up. We diagnose with the Dix-Hallpike maneuver and treat in-office with the Epley maneuver. Most patients feel better in one or two visits.
- Vestibular migraine — vertigo or dizziness with or without a headache, often misdiagnosed for years. We test to rule out inner ear causes and coordinate with neurology for migraine management.
- Meniere's disease — episodes of vertigo with fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness. We provide both the hearing and vestibular workup.
- Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis — sudden severe vertigo from inner ear inflammation, often after a viral illness.
- Bilateral vestibular loss — chronic unsteadiness from reduced function in both inner ears, sometimes from medications or aging.
- Age-related balance decline — multifactorial dizziness in older adults that increases fall risk.
- Post-concussion dizziness — persistent vertigo or unsteadiness after a head injury.
Testing we perform
Vestibular testing is non-invasive but thorough. We choose the tests that match your symptoms:
- Videonystagmography (VNG) — the gold standard. Infrared goggles record eye movements while we present visual targets, head positions, and temperature stimuli to the ear canal. Eye movement patterns reveal which part of your balance system is not working.
- Dix-Hallpike and supine roll tests — positional testing to diagnose BPPV.
- Head impulse testing — quick head movements that test the vestibulo-ocular reflex.
- Gaze stability assessment — measures how well your eyes lock on to a target when your head moves.
- Audiometric testing — a full hearing evaluation, since hearing and balance share the same inner ear nerve.
BPPV treatment in our office
BPPV is one of the few balance disorders with a fast, drug-free fix. If testing identifies which canal contains displaced crystals, we perform the Epley maneuver (or the Semont or BBQ roll for less common variants) right in the office. Most patients feel substantial improvement within hours and full resolution within one to two visits. We send you home with positional restrictions for 24 to 48 hours and follow-up instructions.
What to expect at your appointment
Plan for 90 minutes to two hours. We start with a detailed history (when did the dizziness start, what triggers it, how long does each episode last, any other symptoms). Then we run a hearing test and the vestibular tests that match your symptom pattern. We share results with you the same day in plain language, and we send a report to your referring doctor if you have one.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol for 48 hours before testing. Some medications affect results — call ahead and we will tell you which ones to hold and which are safe to continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What balance and vestibular testing do you offer at ACI Hearing Center?
ACI Hearing Center offers videonystagmography (VNG), positional testing including the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, head impulse testing, gaze stability assessment, and in-office treatment for BPPV with the Epley and Semont maneuvers. Our four Doctors of Audiology have decades of combined vestibular experience and have been serving Lafayette and Acadiana since 1984.
What is VNG (videonystagmography) and what does it test?
VNG is the gold standard test for diagnosing vestibular disorders. Small infrared goggles record your eye movements while we present different stimuli (visual targets, head positions, warm and cool air in the ear canal). Because the eyes and the inner ear balance system are wired together, eye movement patterns reveal exactly which part of your balance system is not working. The test takes about 60 to 90 minutes and is not painful, though some parts can briefly trigger dizziness.
What is BPPV and can you treat it in your office?
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo. Tiny calcium crystals in your inner ear become dislodged and float into the wrong canal, causing brief spinning episodes when you change head position. Yes, we treat BPPV in our Lafayette office with the Epley maneuver and other canalith repositioning procedures. Most patients feel significant improvement after one or two visits.
What is the difference between dizziness and vertigo?
Dizziness is a general term for feeling unsteady, lightheaded, or off-balance. Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness where you feel like you or the room is spinning. Vertigo almost always points to a problem with the inner ear or the nerve connecting it to the brain. General dizziness can come from many sources including low blood pressure, medication side effects, dehydration, or anxiety. Vestibular testing helps tell which is which.
Do I need a referral to see an audiologist for balance problems?
Most patients in Louisiana can schedule a balance evaluation with ACI Hearing Center directly without a referral. Some insurance plans require a referral from your primary care doctor or ENT for vestibular testing to be covered. Call our office at (337) 223-9448 and we will verify your specific plan before your appointment.
How long does a balance evaluation take?
Plan for about 90 minutes to two hours for a comprehensive vestibular evaluation. This includes a detailed history, hearing screening, VNG testing, positional testing, and a results discussion. If BPPV is identified, the in-office treatment maneuver adds another 20 to 30 minutes. We share results with you the same day in plain language.
What is a vestibular migraine and can audiologists help?
Vestibular migraine is a type of migraine that causes vertigo or dizziness, often without a typical headache. It is one of the most common causes of recurrent vertigo in adults and is frequently misdiagnosed for years. ACI Hearing Center's role is to rule out inner ear causes through vestibular testing and to coordinate with neurology for migraine management. We also work with patients on vestibular rehabilitation strategies.
When should I see an audiologist instead of an ENT for dizziness?
Audiologists specialize in diagnosing vestibular disorders through testing. ENT physicians treat the medical and surgical side. Most balance workups start with an audiologist for VNG and related testing, then the audiologist coordinates with your ENT or neurologist if medical treatment is needed. If you have sudden hearing loss with vertigo, severe headache, vision changes, or weakness on one side of your body, go to an emergency room first.
Schedule a Balance Evaluation
Call ACI Hearing Center at (337) 223-9448 or request an appointment online. We are located at 103 Saint Thomas Street, Lafayette, LA 70506.