What should you know about a VNG hearing test?

VNG means videonystagmography. Special goggles use a camera to track involuntary eye movements while you follow targets, change head position, and sometimes receive gentle warm or cool air near the ear. The pattern helps the clinician compare signals from the two balance organs and assess how the brain coordinates vision and balance.

VNG is not the same as a standard hearing check. A [Hearing Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/hearing-test/) measures how well you detect sounds, while VNG focuses mainly on balance pathways. Results can support assessment of problems such as [Meniere's Disease](/conditions/menieres-disease/) but do not by themselves provide a final diagnosis.

Follow the clinic's instructions about medicines, food, alcohol, caffeine, and skin or eye products. Some medicines that affect alertness or balance may need special instructions; do not stop a prescribed medicine without checking first. Wear comfortable clothing, bring your medication list, and arrange help getting home if dizziness is likely. Tell the examiner about migraine, neck problems, pregnancy, or difficulty standing. Ear blockage such as [Earwax Buildup](/conditions/earwax-buildup/) may also need attention during an ear assessment.

Mild dizziness or nausea can occur briefly during testing. Contact the clinic if symptoms remain troublesome after you leave. Seek urgent help for new weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, fainting, severe headache, chest pain, or inability to walk safely. These signs need prompt assessment rather than waiting for a test appointment.

Is VNG the right test for my symptoms? Which medicines should I take or pause? Will my hearing be tested separately? What should I do if dizziness continues after the appointment?