Ok, as promised, I'm here to let you all know how this balance testing turned out. First, I must say that both my ears hurt, and the doctor said they look a little angry inside now
![Smiley :)](https://www.anausa.org/smf/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)
. I can't begin to explain all the tests fully, but most involved wearing a heavy mask with various gadgets attached to it. One test had me following a red light around with one eye while a camera recorded the movement of my other eye. Then I had to keep my eyes straight ahead, but follow the light by moving my head. This, at least, wasn't all that taxing.
There were of course various balance tests that you would normally think of, such as standing straight and staring at the wall, then closing your eyes. Did that test in about 3 different poses. I was amazed at how much I felt out of balance with my eyes closed!
I had lots of tests with electrodes attached to my forehead and each side of my neck. They would play noises into my ear and record the signal that traveled down the nerve that eventually goes all the way to my legs. The only hard part of that one was holding my head up and looking to the left or right while laying down.
The final tests involved putting water in my ears. First, hot water in my AN ear while wearing the mask and in complete darkness. She recorded my eye movement, which is supposed to be considerable because of the different temperatures from one side to the other. I did have some disequilibrium, but not that bad. When she did the non-AN ear, I felt like I was spinning! The tests were repeated using cold water.
I see the Doctor again next Monday after one more test (not another 4 hours like I thought). The next test is only 30 minutes, then a meeting with the doctor. Will keep you all posted!
Ernie