Chow MR, Ayiotis AI, Schoo DP, et al. - In view of the correlation of bilateral vestibular hypofunction with chronic disequilibrium, postural instability, and unsteady gait due to failure of vestibular reflexes that stabilize the eyes, head, and body, researchers here examined if a vestibular implant could aid in alleviating these symptoms. Unilateral implantation of a prosthesis that electrically stimulates the three semicircular canal branches of the vestibular nerve was performed in individuals who had had ototoxic (seven participants) or idiopathic (one participant) bilateral vestibular hypofunction for 2 to 23 years. Improvement in measures of posture, gait, and quality of life was generally observed at 6 months and 1 year following unilateral implantation of a vestibular prosthesis for bilateral vestibular hypofunction, but there was reduction in hearing in the ear with the implant in all but one participant