Clinical vestibular research

Vestibular dysfunction, especially in combination with auditory dysfunction, increases the risk of falling, which has many detrimental consequences like (hip)fractures, hospital admissions, and even death. These consequences result in a decreased quality of life and increased economic costs. Unfortunately, the current treatment modalities (i.e., vestibular rehabilitation, drug therapy, and sensory substitution systems) for bilateral vestibulopathy are not always completely successful. For this type of patients, a successful treatment option needs to be developed urgently.

At the EIORL, we aim to research newly developed treatments for bilateral vestibulopathy. The first is a cochleo-vestibular implant, i.e., an implantable device that is capable of electrically restoring the auditory and vestibular function simultaneously. This project was initiated by a research team in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain. Together with other European centers, we form the BionicVEST consortium. The first trial was successfully completed in September 2022, and the new trial with a new implant design has been initiated. New possible participants for this study can contact Drs. Morgana Sluydts or Prof. Dr. Floris Wuyts.

Duration: 2018 - present