Lessons learned from cochlear implants that are relevant to a vestibular prosthesis

In October, 2010, we began human studies of a vestibular prosthesis. Our goal is to develop a device for the management of several vestibular disorders that defy existing treatment modalities. We have long-term data on four human subjects and ten non-human primates and are awaiting regulatory approval of our second-generation device, modified based on that data. We have been guided by a wealth of information based on lessons learned from cochlear implants. These lessons include first and foremost the otherwise hubristic idea that an effective vestibular prosthesis is technically feasible. Indeed the extraordinary compensation mechanisms of the central vestibular system convince us that such a prosthesis could be even more effective than for hearing. Second, the ability to leverage CI engineering expertise and industry relationships has been critical to our success so far. Third, the regulatory comfort with the success and favorable risk profile of cochlear implants has greatly speeded up human translation...