The Romberg test assesses the patient's ability to maintain an upright posture with arms out in front, with eyes open and closed. One purpose of this test is to assess for:
1. Inner ear balance.
2. Conductive hearing loss.
3. Abnormal nystagmus.
4. Gag reflex.
Inner ear balance.
Rationale: The Romberg test assesses inner ear balance. Disorders of the inner ear affect equilibrium. Conductive hearing loss is assessed by such instruments as a tuning fork. One test that can be used to assess abnormal nystagmus is the caloric test. The gag reflex can be assessed by palpating the back of the client's oral cavity with a tongue blade.
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