Investigation of Vestibular Dysfunction Requires Renewed Research Enthusiasm

Abstract

Inner ear research has experienced exponential growth for the last fifty years spurring the creation of novel scientific approaches and clinical intervention strategies. Here we utilize data mining of publicly available records (PubMed, NIHReporter, and ClinicalTrials.gov) to assess the rate of inner ear research output quantitatively. We combined this approach with systematic review of published literature to understand the prevalence and monetary costs of seeking treatment for hearing and balance. The data show that the expansive growth period of inner ear research presents a new challenge for scientists and clinicians as auditory research output metrics have begun to significantly outpace vestibular research. There are unique challenges associated with diagnosing and treating patients with vestibular dysfunction that may explain some of the discrepancies in research output. A renewed enthusiasm to investigate the vestibular system may help facilitate broader understanding of the inner ear and has potential to produce improved scientific methods and clinical interventions for patients.

Keywords: Auditory; Balance; Cochlea; Hearing; Inner ear; Utricle; Vestibular.