An electronic prosthesis mimicking the dynamic vestibular function

An analog circuit has been designed to mimic the dynamic function of a unilateral semicircular canal of the vestibular system. The circuitry is an integral part of a novel MEMS-based electrostimulatory prosthesis currently investigated by this research group. The device is intended for restoration of permanently damaged balance function. The present experimental results indicate that under the same inertial loading conditions it is feasible to design a prosthesis that matches the signal recorded from the vestibular nerve in squirrel monkey experiments reported in the literature (Jiayin Liu et al., 2003).