Vestibulospinal Research Laboratory

Steroid and Antiviral Treatment of Sudden-onset Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Principal Investigator: Dr. Ian Storper

Lab Personnel: Dr. Mani Zadeh, Dr. Jaclyn Spitzer

Dr. Storper and colleagues have conducted research since 1998 on treating sudden-onset sensorineural hearing loss with steroid and antiviral agents. They found that the use of high-dose dexamethasone combined with valcyclovir improves the final hearing outcome of such patients. Results of this research have been submitted for presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American Otologic Society.

In their clinical practices, Drs. Storper and colleagues now incorporate this finding whenever possible.

Dr. Storper's Publications

Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

Our research focuses on the effectiveness of a variety of implantable devices [cochlear implants, middle ear implantable hearing aids, and bone anchored cochlear stimulator (or BAHA system)], and their impact on communication and life satisfaction.

Principal Investigators: Dr. Jaclyn Spitzer, Dr. Abbey Berg

Current Research in Progress:

1) Psychoacoustic and Perceptual studies with implantable hearing devices.
2) Evaluation of the benefit of BAHA with persons with single-sided deafness.
3) Effect of micronutrient deficiencies on hearing in developing countries.
4) Development of Cochlear Implant Counseling Materials on CD.
5) The Appreciation of Music in Cochlear Implantees [AMIC] test.

Dr. Spitzer's Publications

Evaluation of the benefit of BAHA with persons with single-sided deafness.

In progress

J. Wazen, Principal Investigator
Funding: Entific Medical System