A quick screen to detect asymmetry in the inner ear.
The Skull Vibration Test uses a gentle vibration behind the ear to stimulate the balance organs of your inner ear and detect if there’s a difference between the left and right sides. It is often used as a simple but powerful screening tool when dizziness or imbalance seems one-sided.
What it’s used for
- Suspected one-sided (unilateral) vestibular weakness
- Long-standing or subtle dizziness
- Screening in cases with no obvious symptoms
Why it works
By applying vibration to the mastoid bone (just behind the ear), we can stimulate the vestibular system and observe how your eyes respond. If one side is weaker, it often creates a tell-tale eye movement pattern that helps guide further testing and treatment.
What to expect
Your physiotherapist will apply a vibrating probe just behind your ear for a few seconds at a time while monitoring your eye movements. The test is non-invasive, fast, and usually completed within three minutes.
Why our clients appreciate it
It’s simple, quick, and often provides a clear direction when symptoms are hard to describe. It can detect vestibular imbalances that might otherwise go undetected, especially in chronic or mild cases.
Think this test might help you?
This assessment is part of our full vestibular workup at Kinetika. Most dizziness is treatable once properly diagnosed, book an initial assessment and we’ll take it from there.
Part of our Vestibular Rehabilitation programme in Dubai Hills. Delivered by our Balance & Vestibular specialists.