Jenks Vestibular Research Laboratory - Prosthesis Research

Millions of individuals in the U.S. suffer from dizziness, balance difficulties, and other problems caused by malfunction of the vestibular system within the inner ear. Often such problems are mild and short-lived, but sometimes they are severe and disabling. Physicians and scientists at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary are developing devices to stabilize patients who develop severe disabilities.

The long term goal of this project is to develop one or more devices that will re-supply motion information to those who have lost it because of inner ear injury or disease or aging. Our present efforts include two different approaches: research on a balance prosthesis and research on a vestibular implant.Both approaches are briefly summarized in the following paragraphs.  Review articles are available to provide more details.

Balance Prosthesis

The vibrotactile prosthesis is a non-invasive vest with tiny vibrating patches that signal when the wearer tilts in that direction, delivering information about body tilt to sensors on the skin. Preliminary results show that patients are more stable when wearing this device. Under controlled, short term laboratory conditions, the device helps the patients sway less and fall less often. Studies are being initiated to test patients wearing the vibrotactile prosthesis for longer periods of time, and under more real life conditions. The project also supports the development of motion sensors for use by other investigators in the research community. This effort is currently funded by a four year grant from the NIH (Principal Investigator, Dr. Conrad Wall). Research articles have been published.

Vestibular Implant  

The vestibular implant, which is analogous to the cochlear implant, uses electrical stimulation of the vestibular nerve to replace absent or reduced vestibular function.In a closely related project, we are developing a prosthetic "pacemaker" to help minimize and/or eliminate fluctuating vestibular symptoms and sensations caused by Meniere's Disease. Early progress has been made in the development of prosthetic devices and experimental investigations have begun. A limited amount of human testing has been initiated. We plan to expand our patient testing soon. Funding has previously been provided by the W. M. Keck Foundation (Project Leader, Dr. Conrad Wall; Co-Investigator, Dr. Steven Rauch) and the Whitaker Foundation (Principal Investigator, Dr. Daniel Merfeld). This effort is presently funded by a five year grant from the NIH (Principal Investigator, Dr. Daniel Merfeld; Co-Investigator, Dr. Richard Lewis). Research articles have been published.

Vestibular Research Growth Campaign

The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary has established a fundraising campaign to support vestibular research, including the development of balance aids and vestibular prostheses, as safely and rapidly as possible. Some specific objectives for this campaign include:

• Establish an electrophysiology laboratory to better understand which motion signals are sent to the brain and how these signals are used by the brain (estimated cost $1,200,000).
• Renovate approximately 2000 sq. ft. of space to accelerate the progress of balance device research and development (estimated cost $600,000).
• Fund eight research fellows (estimated cost $725,000).
• Establish an endowment to help recruit and retain the best scientists (estimated cost $2,750,000).

For more information on how you can support this important campaign please contact:

Melissa Paul
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Development Office
243 Charles St.
Boston, MA 02114
(617)573-4168
or email her at: melissa_paul@meei.harvard.edu

If you wish to contribute, please remember to mention your interest in balance and/or vestibular research. You may want to learn more by clicking on How to Give.

Jenks Vestibular Lab. Contact Information

Jenks Vestibular Diagnostic Laboratory
243 Charles Street, 6th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
Phone: (617) 573-4153

Jenks Vestibular Physiology Laboratory
243 Charles Street, Room 421
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
Phone: (617) 573-3553

page updated: 11/02/04