Our practice is predominately adult, but we are asked occasionally to evaluate pediatric patients. I believe the youngest we have evaluated is 7-8 years of age. I think you have to do this empirically. Some children are pretty tough and if mom or dad are there and if the audiologist is empathetic and compassionate (I know, lots of ''ifs'' ) it is possible to coach them through the entire ENG examination. Rotary chair testing can be accomplished by having the child sit in the parent's lap. Usually rotary chair tests are better tolerated by children, but they do not replace a good caloric test. I think a vestibular assessment in the pediatric patient is needed whenever there is a suspicion that a vestibular system problem exists.
