Assessment and Treatment of Blast-Induced Auditory and Vestibular Injuries

Abstract : Hearing loss and balance disorders are widespread among OIF/OEF veterans as a result of blast-induced damage, yet relatively little is known about the underlying mechanisms of injury. In this project, we are characterizing the effects of blast exposure on auditory and vestibular organs in the inner ear of rodents as well as developing strategies formitigating or reversing vestibular injury that originates from damage to mechanosensory haircells.