Functional and specialised tests help assess how different body systems are working. Baltic American Clinic performs breathing, hearing, balance, sleep, eye and urinary function tests. The doctor chooses the specific tests based on your symptoms and state of health.
The test looks at how a specific body system works.
The tests are used in pulmonology, otorhinolaryngology and other fields.
The test method depends on your symptoms and the medical indications.
The results help plan further tests or treatment.
When should you seek these tests?
The tests may be ordered for shortness of breath, a persistent cough, hearing loss, dizziness, sleep disorders, changes in vision, urinary problems or other specific complaints.
Which tests are performed?
Choose a test to find out what it helps to assess and which doctor’s consultation may be needed. The doctor decides which tests are needed based on medical indications.
Spirometry and tests with a bronchodilator or exercise
What does it help to assess? It helps assess airflow and lung function and detect signs of airway (bronchial) obstruction or changes in breathing function after a medicine or exercise.
Who may recommend the test? A pulmonologist and, if needed, an allergist or family doctor.
Pulse oximetry
What does it help to assess? It measures blood oxygen saturation non-invasively; the result is interpreted together with symptoms and other findings.
Who may recommend the test? A pulmonologist, paediatrician or another doctor, depending on the condition.
Audiometry, tympanometry and otoacoustic emission testing
What does it help to assess? These tests help assess hearing sensitivity, middle ear function and certain measures of inner ear response.
Who may recommend the test? An ENT specialist (otorhinolaryngologist); for children, a paediatric ENT specialist or paediatrician.
Tuning fork tests and vestibular function tests
What does it help to assess? These tests help assess certain disorders of hearing conduction and of the balance system when you experience dizziness, unsteadiness or hearing symptoms.
Who may recommend the test? An ENT specialist and, if needed, an otoneurologist.
Videonystagmography
What does it help to assess? It records eye movements and helps examine how the balance system works, especially in recurrent dizziness.
Who may recommend the test? An ENT specialist or otoneurologist.
Polysomnography
What does it help to assess? Breathing, oxygen saturation and other measures are recorded during sleep; the test helps diagnose and assess sleep apnoea and some other sleep disorders.
Who may recommend the test? An ENT specialist, pulmonologist or sleep medicine specialist.
Ophthalmic function tests
What does it help to assess? Tests of eye pressure, the fundus, refraction, tear secretion and stereoscopic vision help assess disorders of vision, eye structures and tear production.
Who may recommend the test? An ophthalmologist.
Uroflowmetry
What does it help to assess? It measures the urine flow rate and other urination parameters and helps assess signs of urinary outflow disorders.
Who may recommend the test? A urologist.
Body composition analysis
What does it help to assess? It helps estimate the approximate proportion of fat mass and lean body mass and how they change. It is a supplementary test, not a stand-alone test for diagnosing disease.
Who may recommend the test? A dietitian, endocrinologist or family doctor.
Fetal heart rate monitoring (CTG)
What does it help to assess? It records the fetal heart rate and uterine activity; depending on the stage of pregnancy and the clinical situation, it helps assess the condition of the baby.
Who may recommend the test? An obstetrician-gynaecologist.
How is the test performed?
The procedure depends on the method: in spirometry you blow into the mouthpiece of a device, in audiometry you listen to sound signals, in videonystagmography your eye movements are recorded, and polysomnography records physiological measures while you sleep.
Preparing for the test
Before your visit, tell the doctor about the medicines you take and the results of any earlier related tests. If spirometry is planned, do not change how you use inhaled medicines unless your doctor tells you to.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is spirometry painful?
No. Spirometry is a non-invasive test. You will be asked to breathe out forcefully into the mouthpiece of the device several times.
What is the difference between spirometry and pulse oximetry?
Spirometry measures airflow and lung ventilation, while pulse oximetry measures blood oxygen saturation. The two tests assess different aspects of breathing function.
Are hearing tests performed for children?
Yes. Baltic American Clinic performs hearing tests suitable for children. The doctor chooses the test method according to the child’s age and ability to cooperate.
What should I do if my hearing gets worse suddenly?
Sudden hearing loss may need urgent treatment. Do not wait for a planned test – seek emergency medical care.
How are balance tests performed?
The doctor may assess your balance, eye movements and response to changes in head position. In videonystagmography, eye movements are recorded with special equipment.
How does polysomnography differ from sleep endoscopy?
Polysomnography helps identify breathing disorders that occur during sleep and the severity of sleep apnoea. Sleep endoscopy is performed during drug-induced sleep to find possible sites where the airway narrows.
Prices of functional and specialised tests
The price of a test depends on the chosen procedure and its scope. If further tests or a doctor’s consultation are needed, the need for them and the expected costs are discussed in advance.