Vestibular implant to improve balance in older adults
Vestibular implantation in older adults
A small implanted device sends motion signals to the balance nerves to help older adults with severe inner-ear balance loss feel steadier and see more clearly during head movements.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142566 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, surgeons would implant a device that electrically stimulates the vestibular nerve that senses head motion. The device is programmed to provide continuous, motion-modulated stimulation aimed at the three semicircular canals and runs around the clock. The team previously implanted one side in a small group of adults and saw device-driven eye reflexes that match head rotation, suggesting restored motion signals. Study visits would include surgery, device programming, and ongoing follow-up to measure balance, vision during movement, and safety.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults with severe bilateral vestibular loss who remain disabled despite rehabilitation and who have intact vestibular nerves on imaging.
Not a fit: People with mild or moderate vestibular loss who already compensate well, those whose vestibular nerves are damaged or absent, or those who cannot undergo surgery are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could restore a sense of head motion and reduce dizziness, improve balance, and lower the risk of falls.
How similar studies have performed: An early feasibility implant in eight adults aged 51–66 produced directionally aligned vestibulo-ocular reflexes and provided initial safety and functional signals, so this approach is promising but still early.
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.