Inner-ear implant to restore balance in adults with severe vestibular loss
Vestibular Implantation to Treat Adult-Onset Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction
This project fits an implanted device that sends motion signals to the balance nerve to help adults with severe loss of balance from both inner ears.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11310035 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would receive a surgically implanted device in one inner ear that senses head motion and delivers electrical pulses to the vestibular nerve across the three semicircular canals. The device uses motion‑modulated stimulation to recreate natural balance signals and help stabilize vision during head movements. Earlier first‑in‑human work showed the implant can be safe and improve posture, walking, and dizziness over years of use. This program builds on those results with structured follow-up, objective gait and balance testing, and longer-term monitoring.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with severe bilateral vestibular hypofunction—often from ototoxic injury—who still have intact vestibular nerves and persistent disabling dizziness despite rehabilitation are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with mild or well‑compensated balance loss, absent vestibular nerves, or dizziness from non‑vestibular causes are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could partially restore balance signals, reduce dizziness and fall risk, and improve walking and daily activities for people with severe bilateral vestibular loss.
How similar studies have performed: A prior first‑in‑human study of six adults showed the approach to be feasible, safe, and beneficial, but larger and longer studies are needed.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Della Santina, Charles C — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Della Santina, Charles C
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.