American Academy of Audiology Clinical Consensus Statement: Assessment of Vestibular Function in the Pediatric Population

Vestibular function testing is recommended in children who report dizziness and in children with imbalance or delays in gross motor milestones related to sensorineural hearing loss. This clinical consensus statement developed by the American Academy of Audiology serves as a guide for assessing vestibular function in the pediatric population and allows for expected variations in practice and available equipment. It focuses on the pediatric approach to test administration and interpretation, offers protocols and tips for testing, and provides additional information on individual tests of vestibular function. Basic, practical knowledge of vestibular testing is required to incorporate the guidance provided in this consensus statement. Children have activities of daily living that are different from those of adults, so the overall goal of assessment and intervention should be to arrive at the best recommendations to help children meet their vestibular goals without hindrance to educational, social, and developmental outcomes. As this area of pediatric vestibular testing develops, more normative data and test techniques will be included, and this guidance will continue to evolve.