Chicago Dizziness and Hearing


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Testing and other Services

Audiological and Vestibular testing Neuropsychological Testing Diagnosis and treatment of dizziness Hearing aids Vestibular rehabilitation Wax removal

Audiological and Vestibular Testing:

 

Most patients with dizziness should have an audiogram (hearing test) an ENG test, and a VEMP test. We can preschedule these for you if you desire.

We offer the following tests for dizziness in the clinic:

Most other tests related to dizziness or imbalance are obtained in Northwestern Memorial Hospital, which is across the street from the practice. In most instances, other than blood testing, the these tests need to be arranged for several weeks in advance. Generally these tests are not routinely scheduled prior to the first visit but may be recommended after the evaluation.

  • Neuroradiology --
    • MRI/MRA of the head or neck (for a large number of structural disorders of the brain or it's blood supply). MRI scans are often done at River North MRI, a local MRI facility a few blocks from us that often offers same-day appointments.
    • 3T MRI (higher field)-- These are very high resolution MRI scans, mainly suitable for cases where regular MRI imaging has been insufficient. These are done at 3T Imaging of Morton Grove (a suburb of Chicago).
    • CT scan of the temporal bone (for SCD or congenital deafness). Done at Northwestern Memorial Hospital as well as 3T MRI of Morton Grove. We strongly urge against having temporal-bone CT scans done at local hospitals. Even academic hospitals often do a poor job with temporal bone CT scans.
  • Blood testing. Done on the second floor of Northwestern Memorial Hospital
  • Tilt-table testing (for fainting spells)
  • Rotatory Chair testing

Do you need testing ? It can be much more efficient to schedule needed testing related to dizziness and balance prior to the clinic visit, especially if your appointment is fairly far away

Neuropsychological Testing

We occasionally suggest or arrange for neuropsychological testing (questionnaires), for three patient groups:

  1. Workmans compensation cases
  2. Independent medical examinations -- these are done at the request of the attorney who arranged for the IME

The most comprehensive neuropsychological assessment that we offer is the MMPI. This is can be done in the clinic, under the supervision of Robert Hanlon, Ph.D.

The testing is typically prior to clinical examination, although results are not available for about a week.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Dr. Timothy Hain Dr. Marcello Cherchi

 

CDB attempts to be a "full service" dizziness clinic. We can diagnose dizziness due to ear problems, brain (neurological) problems, blood pressure fluctuations, and other causes. Most of our patients have already seen several other doctors and come to us to get things sorted out or for a more sophisticated treatment protocol than is commonly available. If you need a diagnosis, you should schedule to see Dr. Hain or Cherchi.

Hearing Aids

We offer a full line of hearing aids as well as related things such as musicians ear plugs, loops and t-coils. If you think you need a hearing aid, you can schedule directly with our audiologists . Dr. Hain will see you briefly too in order to provide medical clearance.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

 

Mat table used to do maneuvers Example of Epley maneuver for BPPV

Vestibular rehabilitation -- physical therapy for dizziness, is a very important part of our practice. We have two outstanding and experienced physical therapists.

If you mainly need vestibular rehabilitation, especially just a few visits for treatment of BPPV, you can schedule directly with them, although Dr. Hain will see you briefly too to supervise the process. reception@dizziness-and-balance.com can set this up.

If you need a long course of physical therapy, we recommend that you find a place close to where you live. In this situation, our physical therapists may be appropriate as consultants.

Ear Wax removal

Practically, ear wax removal is sometimes needed to properly examine the ear, for hygiene, and to do proper testing. We use a Welch Allyn commercial ear wax removal system for most situations, and we use tympanometry for safety. Wax is also sometimes removed using the microscope by Dr. Hain.

Appointments can be scheduled solely for ear wax removal through our front desk, reception@dizziness-and-balance.com. We recommend a periodic schedule -- often every 6 months is appropriate.

Contact Information

  • Our mailing address is Chicago Dizziness and Hearing, 645 N Michigan, Suite 410, Chicago IL 60611
  • Our clinic phone #'s is 312-274-0197
  • Please use our efax # (312-376-8707)
  • We can be reached by email at: reception@dizziness-and-balance.com. Note that like most email, this is not secure -- we advise against using email to transmit information that should not be public.



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Last saved on December 8, 2007