Restoring the High-Frequency Dynamic Visual Acuity with a Vestibular Implant Prototype in Humans

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Ophthalmology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Bilateral vestibulopathy impairs balance and vision.
• High-frequency dynamic visual acuity (DVA) is crucial for daily activities.
• Vestibular implants offer potential for restoring vestibular function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of a vestibular implant for restoring high-frequency DVA.
• To assess the impact of vestibular implant stimulation on DVA using the functional Head Impulse Test (fHIT).

Main Methods:

• A patient with bilateral vestibulopathy received a modified cochlear implant with vestibular electrodes.
• Electrical stimulation was applied to the lateral ampullary nerve.
• High-frequency DVA was tested using fHIT under various stimulation conditions (OFF, baseline, reversed, positive).

Main Results:

• Vestibular implant stimulation significantly improved high-frequency DVA compared to no stimulation.
• Significant improvements were noted with baseline (p=0.02) and positive (p<0.001) stimulation.
• fHIT scores increased from 19-44% (no stimulation) to 75-94% (positive stimulation).

Conclusions:

• The vestibular implant demonstrated the capability to enhance high-frequency DVA.
• These functional benefits support the potential clinical utility of vestibular implants.
• The study highlights the feasibility of vestibular implants for future clinical applications.