What happens during a VNG?A VNG may be done by a primary health care provider or one of the following types of specialists:An audiologist, a health care provider who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing hearing lossAn otolaryngologist (ENT), a doctor specializing in treating diseases and conditions of the ears, nose, and throatA neurologist, a doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating disorders of the brain and nervous systemDuring a VNG test, you will sit in a dark room and wear special goggles. The goggles have a camera that records eye movements. There are three main parts to a VNG:Ocular testing. During this part of the VNG, you will watch and follow moving and nonmoving dots on a light bar.Positional testing. During this part, your provider will move your head and body in different positions. Your provider will check if this movement causes nystagmus.Caloric testing. During this part, warm and cool water or air will be put in each ear. When cold water or air enters the inner ear, it should cause nystagmus. The eyes should then move away from the cold water in that ear and slowly back. When warm water or air is put in the ear, the eyes should move slowly toward that ear and slowly back. If the eyes don't respond in these ways, it may mean there is damage to the nerves of the inner ear. Your provider will also check to see if one ear responds differently from the other. If one ear is damaged, the response will be weaker than the other, or there may be no response at all.
