New Vestibular Implant Shown to Reduce Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction (BVH) Symptoms
A new study out of Johns Hopkins Medicine shows that a vestibular implant can treat Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction (BVH). BVH, a condition that affects about 1.8 million adults across the globe, compromises the inner ear’s balance functions. People with BVH suffer from chronic disequilibrium and often have difficulty walking and driving. Current treatments and interventions only involve rehabilitation exercises.
For this study, researchers used a cochlear implant and modified its functions to trigger the vestibular nerve rather than the cochlear nerve. Eight people with BVH received the implant and were assessed six months and one year after the procedure. During the follow-up assessments, researchers found that the patients had improved balance, less dizziness, and a significantly improved quality of life.
Patents are pending for the vestibular implant technology used in this study, and we look forward to the continued developments of this promising treatment option. See the entire Johns Hopkins Medicine news release on the research here and the study’s feature in the New England Journal of Medicine here.
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