Vestibular assessment and management: survey of the current practices by audiologists in India

Abstract

Abstract Objective The objective of the present study was to find out the current practices in evaluating and managing vestibular disorders across the country by Audiologists in India. Method An e-survey was performed. A total of 31 questions were prepared for the survey. The survey questionnaire was circulated among 400 Audiologists. Out of 400 participants, 248 participants responded to the survey. Results Out of 248 participants, 111 participants reported performing vestibular testing. Most of the professionals worked in a corporate setup. Total patients with vestibular disorders reported to these setups ranged from 1-2 per month to 100–120 patients/month. Regarding the clinical tests, most participants reported performing the Romberg test, Fukuda stepping test, tests for cerebellar functioning and HINTS/HINTS plus in their setup for vestibular assessment and management. Regarding the barriers to vestibular assessment and management, most participants indicated that the lack of necessary training and experience to conduct vestibular assessment and management procedures was significant. Conclusions There is a lot of variability in assessment and management procedures among the professionals. There is a need to make uniform protocol across the country, and the vestibular assessment and management should be included as a separate course in their curriculum.