Balance Disorders News and Research

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A balance disorder is a disturbance that causes an individual to feel unsteady, giddy, woozy, or have a sensation of movement, spinning, or floating. An organ in our inner ear, the labyrinth, is an important part of our vestibular (balance) system. The labyrinth interacts with other systems in the body, such as the visual (eyes) and skeletal (bones and joints) systems, to maintain the body's position. These systems, along with the brain and the nervous system, can be the source of balance problems.

New clinical guidelines significantly reduce opioid prescriptions after ear surgery

A new retrospective study published in OTO Open, the open-access journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), demonstrates that the Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) Opioid Prescribing for Analgesia After Common Otolaryngology Operations has had a measurable and sustained impact on prescribing practices following parotidectomy, which a surgical procedure to remove the parotid gland.

28 Apr 2026

Eardrum perforations and cholesteatoma linked to higher odds of dementia

A new study published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official peer-reviewed publication of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), finds that two common and treatable causes of conductive hearing loss-eardrum perforations and cholesteatoma, a type of abnormal skin growth in the middle ear-are associated with higher odds of dementia.

13 Apr 2026

Swimming in treated pools safe for children with tympanostomy tubes

A new study published in Otolaryngology−Head and Neck Surgery, the peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology−Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), finds that children with tympanostomy tubes who swim in treated pools are not at increased risk of ear drainage, while those exposed to untreated or natural bodies of water face significantly higher odds of developing recurrent otorrhea.

30 Mar 2026

Mandated cCMV screening improves early identification of infant hearing loss

A new retrospective cohort study examining the impact of Minnesota's first-in-the-nation mandated universal newborn screening for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) shows that universal screening significantly decreased the age at first audiology visit and increased identification of mild hearing loss in infants.

2 Mar 2026

Musicians experience higher rates of tinnitus, hearing loss, and hyperacusis than non-musicians

A new systematic review and meta-analysis published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), reveals that musicians face substantially higher rates of tinnitus, hearing loss, and hyperacusis compared to non-musicians.

17 Feb 2026

Type 2 diabetes patients face an elevated risk of hearing loss

As the United States observes American Diabetes Month this November, a comprehensive study published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, reveals that individuals with type 2 diabetes face a significantly elevated risk of hearing loss-a complication that often goes unrecognized and unscreened.

10 Nov 2025

Gene editing restores hearing and balance in adult mice with DFNA41 deafness

Zheng-Yi Chen, DPhil, associate scientist at the Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, and Ines and Fredrick Yeatts Chair in Otolaryngology, at Mass Eye and Ear, is the senior and co-corresponding author of a paper published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, "Single Dose Genome Editing Therapy Rescues Auditory and Vestibular Functions in Adult Mice with DFNA41 Deafness."

14 Aug 2025

Updated guideline aims to identify quality improvement opportunities in managing adult sinusitis

The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) published the Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG): Adult Sinusitis Update today in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.

31 Jul 2025

Novel deep learning model leverages real-time data to assist in diagnosing nystagmus

Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly vital role in modern medicine, particularly in interpreting medical images to help clinicians assess disease severity, guide treatment decisions and monitor disease progression.

4 Jun 2025

New clinical practice guideline advances surgical care for chronic rhinosinusitis

The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) published the new Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG): Surgical Management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis today in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.

27 May 2025

New device promises reliable rehabilitation for balance disorders

The University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) has presented a promising device designed to conduct measurements reliably and repeatably when treating the after-effects of stroke, vertigo, etc.

22 Jan 2025

Early physical therapy can help prevent lingering symptoms after concussion

People who suffer from continued symptoms of concussion should seek a referral to physical therapy as soon as possible, new research from Oregon Health & Science University suggests.

19 Dec 2024

New clinical practice guideline offers evidence-based recommendations for managing inhalant allergies with immunotherapy

The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation published the Clinical Practice Guideline: Immunotherapy for Inhalant Allergy today in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.

26 Feb 2024

Physical therapy can help reduce risk of dizziness-induced injury

The association between symptomatic dizziness and vestibular disorders and the subsequent risk of falls and other injuries.

18 Sep 2023

3D analysis of inner ear provides insights into Ménière's disease

Elaborate 3D analysis of the inner ear now, for the first time, provide insights into volume changes of special structures in sufferers of the so-called Ménière's disease.

7 Aug 2023

Virtual reality-based exercises found to reduce depression and anxiety among individuals treated with hemodialysis

Researchers determined the association between regular physical exercise based on virtual reality (VR) and the development of depression.

3 Aug 2023

The risk factors and outcomes of ARDS following infection with SARS-CoV-2 in a young adult population

Researchers evaluated the outcomes and identified risk factors associated with the development of ARDS after SARS-CoV-2 infections among young adults.

6 Jan 2023

Acute respiratory distress syndrome may increase death risk among young COVID-19 patients

A new study estimated the risk and prevalence of acute respiratory distress syndrome in hospitalized young adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

4 Apr 2022

Synthetic viral vector and surgical approach enable efficient gene transfer into the inner ear of primates

A synthetic viral vector and a novel surgical approach developed at Mass Eye and Ear has enabled efficient gene transfer into the inner ear of nonhuman primates, a research team working towards the development of effective treatments for hearing loss and vestibular disorders has reported.

15 Mar 2022

Dizziness is a common symptom of COVID-19

New research published in Internal and Emergency Medicine discusses the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and dizziness.

6 Feb 2022