Written by Dr. Jenell Douglas | Video by Dr. Jocelyn Doré
If you’re experiencing symptoms like tinnitus, ear fullness, asymmetric hearing loss, or dizziness, your ENT provider may recommend a series of tests performed by an audiologist. Advanced Specialty Care offers a diagnostic work-up referred to as “DX3” or “DX4” testing, depending on your symptoms. This post will offer a brief overview of what these tests are and what you can expect during your visit.
DX3 Testing:
DX3 testing includes three primary procedures:
- Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE):
Quick, non-invasive test to measure how well your inner ear (cochlea) is functioning. A small silicone tip is placed at the opening of your ear canal and plays a series of soft tones. If the hearing organ is working properly, it will create an “echo” in response, allowing the audiologist to evaluate outer hair cell function in each ear. The test takes just 1-2 minutes per ear. - Electrocochleography (ECoG):
To prepare for this test, small electrodes are placed on the forehead and earphones are inserted into the ears. The patient listens to a series of loud clicks while reclined in a darkened room. The goal is to measure brain wave responses triggered by sound, helping to assess the neural pathways involved in hearing. - Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR):
This test is similar to the ECoG in setup, but focuses on a different section of the auditory nerve pathway. It helps detect abnormalities that could contribute to hearing issues or neurological concerns.
DX4 Testing:
DX4 testing is utilized when dizziness is one of your symptoms. It includes all of the above procedures, plus an additional test called VNG (Videonystagmography).
VNG evaluates how well your brain and inner ear are working together to control balance. You’ll wear goggles with infrared cameras to track eye movements while watching lights or patterns on a screen, or while sitting with your head in specific positions.
One key part of VNG is caloric testing, where warm and cool water are gently introduced into each ear to stimulate the balance organ. This temporary temperature change may produce a brief spinning sensation, but it provides your audiologist with essential insight into how each ear is contributing to your sense of balance. Most patients tolerate the test well and return to normal within minutes.
What Happens After Testing?
Once testing is complete, your audiologist will analyze the raw data and write a report for your ENT provider to review. You’ll typically return for a follow-up appointment within a week to discuss the results and next steps for care.
Whether you’re dealing with hearing changes, unexplained dizziness, or other ear-related symptoms, our integrated team of ENT physicians and Doctors of Audiology work together to ensure you receive comprehensive, personalized care.
For more information on these tests, including how you can prepare for your appointment, check out the following video by Jocelyn Doré, AuD:
Call us today to schedule your hearing and balance evaluation. Testing is available in Danbury, New Milford, Ridgefield & Norwalk.
— Jenell Douglas, Au.D. & Jocelyn Doré, Au.D.
Drs. Jenell Douglas & Jocelyn Doré are licensed clinical Doctors of Audiology treating adult & pediatric patients in Advanced Specialty Care’s Danbury and New Milford offices.
Call (203) 830-4700 or request an appointment online to schedule with one of our Audiology specialists at any of our convenient office locations in Danbury, New Milford, Norwalk and Ridgefield, CT.