Vestibular Assessment: VNG, VEMP & VHIT Protocols and Practice

Richard E. Gans, PhD

Founder and executive director of The American Institute of Balance, one of the largest balance centers in the USA Dr. Gans received his PhD from The Ohio State University in Auditory-Vestibular Physiology. For over 20 years has been a leader in the development of vestibular evaluation and rehabilitation techniques, including tests of oscillopsia and postural stability as well as BPPV treatment. He has presented or published over 150 programs and papers worldwide in the area of equilibrium disorders. He is the author of 8 textbook chapters and texts ranging from diagnostic vestibular testing, vestibular rehabilitation, BPPV treatments and pediatric vestibular evaluation. Thieme Medical Publishers will publish his upcoming textbook, Evaluation and Management of Balance Disorders in Children and Adults. His most current research is in the areas of pediatrics, migraine and psychiatric aspects of dizziness. Dr. Gans served as the President of the American Academy of Audiology (2004-2005) and continues to be active in professional and governmental issues. He is an adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University and the University of South Florida.

Joseph Sakumura, AuD, Board Certified, CCC-A

Director of Clinical Innovation - 

Dr. Joseph Sakumura, received the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree from the University of Kansas Medical Center and his undergraduate from the University of Kansas. Dr. Sakumura completed his residency training here at the American Institute of Balance. He holds the Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC-A) from The American Speech Language Hearing Association and is Board eligible from the American Board of Audiology.

Dr. Sakumura’s primary interests are in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of balance disorders in a broad range of patients, children to adults. In addition to being clinical staff, Dr. Sakumura is also a faculty member with the Institute and assists our Partners in Balance affiliates with practice development and in the application of new and emerging technologies.

Brittany Fauble, Au.D., Board Certified, CCC-A

Dr. Brittany Fauble received her Doctorate of Audiology (AuD) and her Master of Science (MS) in Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences from Gallaudet University, and completed her undergraduate coursework at Florida State University. Dr. Fauble completed her residency training here at the American Institute of Balance. She holds the Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC-A) from The American Speech Language Hearing Association, is Board certified from the American Board of Audiology, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. Dr. Fauble serves as the Institute's Director of Audiological Services.

Dr. Fauble is clinically and conversationally proficient in American Sign Language (ASL). Her primary interests include diagnosis and rehabilitation of balance disorders in the hard-of-hearing and Deaf population(s). In addition, she works closely with AIB’s doctoral residents as a preceptor, training the next generation of Audiologists from prestigious Universities globally.

Alyssa Steinweis, Au.D., Board Certified, CCC-A

Dr. Alyssa Steinweis received her Doctorate of Audiology (AuD) from Nova Southeastern University and completed her undergraduate coursework at Ithaca College in Public and Community Health with an emphasis in Communication Disorders. Dr. Steinweis completed her residency training at the American Institute of Balance. She holds the Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC-A) from The American Speech Language Hearing Association, is Board certified from the American Board of Audiology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology.

Dr. Steinweis's primary interests include diagnosis and rehabilitation of balance disorders throughout the lifespan. She works closely with AIB’s doctoral residents as a preceptor and assists our Partners in Balance and Center of Specialty Care programs via the implementation of new and emerging technologies.