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Equilibrium and Balance

Equilibrium and Balance

The inner ear assumes dual functionalities of auditory perception and equilibrium maintenance. The vestibule is the organ responsible for balance. This organ contains mechanoreceptors, specifically hair cells, endowed with stereocilia, which aid in deciphering information regarding the position and motion of our heads. Two intrinsic components, the utricle and saccule, help perceive head position, while the semicircular canals track head movement. Neurological messages initiated in the...

The Vestibular System

The Vestibular System

The vestibular system is a set of inner ear structures that provide a sense of balance and spatial orientation. This system is comprised of structures within the labyrinth of the inner ear, including the cochlea and two otolith organs—the utricle and saccule. The labyrinth also contains three semicircular canals—superior, posterior, and horizontal—that are oriented on different planes.

The Cochlea

The Cochlea

The cochlea is a coiled structure in the inner ear that contains hair cells—the sensory receptors of the auditory system. Sound waves are transmitted to the cochlea by small bones attached to the eardrum called the ossicles, which vibrate the oval window that leads to the inner ear. This causes fluid in the chambers of the cochlea to move, vibrating the basilar membrane.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Using Unidirectional Rotations to Improve Vestibular System Asymmetry in Patients with Vestibular Dysfunction

Using Unidirectional Rotations to Improve Vestibular System Asymmetry in Patients with Vestibular Dysfunction

Published on: August 30, 2019

Positional vertigo and cochlear implantation.

Marika Viccaro¹, Patrizia Mancini, Raffaella La Gamma

¹E.N.T. Department, The University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy. marikaviccaro@tiscali.it

Otology & Neurotology : Official Publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [And] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology

|August 28, 2007

Summary

Cochlear implantation can cause benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Vibratory trauma during cochleostomy is a likely cause of this common vestibular complication after cochlear implant surgery.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Using Unidirectional Rotations to Improve Vestibular System Asymmetry in Patients with Vestibular Dysfunction

Using Unidirectional Rotations to Improve Vestibular System Asymmetry in Patients with Vestibular Dysfunction

Published on: August 30, 2019

Area of Science:

Otolaryngology
Neuroscience
Vestibular System

Background:

Cochlear implantation is a common procedure for hearing loss.
Positional vertigo is a potential complication following cochlear implantation.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify patients who develop positional vertigo after cochlear implantation.
To investigate the potential mechanisms behind this complication.

Main Methods:

Prospective study of 70 patients undergoing cochlear implantation.
Vestibular evaluation before and after surgery.
Medical record review to identify vestibular symptoms.

Main Results:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) occurred in 8 patients (11.4%).
Most cases (7/8) were ipsilateral to the cochlear implant.
Symptoms onset varied from before implant activation to 130 days post-activation.

Conclusions:

Vibratory trauma during cochleostomy is a proposed mechanism for BPPV post-cochlear implantation.
Other proposed mechanisms include dislodged bone dust or otoconia due to drilling or electrical stimulation.
Minimally invasive cochleostomy techniques may reduce the risk of BPPV.