This is a new hope for patients who have lost their sense of balance.
Such patients can one day walk easily by using vestibular implants.
The sense of balance is controlled by the vestibular portion of the inner ear. It keeps track of the motion and position of the head using three fluid-filled hoops called semicircular canals. These sit at perpendicular angles to each other and continue to maintain the balance of the body.
This reflex is the fastest in the whole body.
The researchers have tested the implants on animals and waiting for a human test. According to the researchers the test on humans can only be performed after the battery life of the implant is about 24 hours. Currently the device has a battery life of just 4-5 hours.
Moreover the implant is having a thickness of 6-mm which has to be reduced before it can be installed below the ear.
But the best thing is that the technology has been developed and in the very near future we can see it working.
Via: newscientisttech
