vHIT can be used to successfully measure the function of the lateral SCC in children as young as 4 years of age. Our results provide normative gain values that can be used when testing children with lateral vHIT. Care must be taken to obtain the most accurate measures and reduce variability when testing children, particularly with LARP and RALP. Our data would suggest that lower gain cutoffs should be used for LARP and RALP testing in children than the cutoffs used for lateral vHIT. Further research is warranted to study LARP and RALP response reliability and validity in children because of the highly variable VOR gains found in this population. Pediatric modifications for successfully administering vHIT and obtaining reliable results are discussed.

2b. Laryngoscope, 126:2344-2350, 2016.

oVEMP responses for ages ≥3 did not differ from responses in adults.

The growing evidence of the need for pediatric vestibular evaluation, as well as the availability of successful treatment options for children, is attracting the attention of many professionals and sparking much interest in the development of pediatric balance centers in North America. Complete balance function assessment and rehabilitation in children requires specialized knowledge and practices of professionals in multiple disciplines. While individual specialists provide useful test information and recommendations for patients, the collaboration of specialists working in a multidisciplinary fashion allows the information to become more powerful, providing the patients and their families with a comprehensive plan. Currently, there are only a handful of pediatric balance centers in North America and most of the centers have been in existence less than 10 years. Thus, this new initiative is in its infancy. Educating oneself, administrators, referral sources, and interdisciplinary colleagues is crucial for gathering support for the enormous endeavor of developing such a center. There are many resources one can draw from, including the works found in this issue. Our hope is that this special may serve as a companion guide to anyone interested in performing pediatric vestibular evaluations and/or developing a multidisciplinary pediatric balance center.