Audiometry

The hearing part of the inner ear (cochlea) is closely associated with the balance organ (labyrinth). Numerous conditions of the inner ear can therefore cause both hearing loss and dizziness or imbalance. The hearing may be affected at specific frequencies which are not generally apparent to the patient for everyday purposes. Low pressures in the middle ear can also affect the labyrinth. It is therefore essential to undertake audiometry and tympanometry in the assessment of every patient with dizziness or imbalance.