The human ear houses two extraordinary sensory systems: hearing and balance. Together, they allow us to perceive microscopic acoustic vibrations and process the finest head movements to keep us stable.

When these sensory organs malfunction, the impact on a person's life is profound. Hearing loss often leads to social isolation and is a leading risk factor for dementia, while vestibular disorders result in a debilitating loss of balance control. Our overarching mission is to understand the diseases affecting these sensory organs and develop advanced methods for their artificial restoration.

To address the distinct pathophysiology of the ear, our research is divided into two specialized sub-groups based at the University Hospital of Basel:

The Acoustics Group 

Led by Lukas Graf, this team investigates acoustic peripheral pathways and the clinical outcomes of sound in the cochlea. A primary focus of our work is the development of next-generation middle ear transducers. By bridging the gap between bio-engineering and clinical application, we aim to design highly efficient, invisible hearing systems that seamlessly integrate into a patient's daily life.

The Vestibular Group 

Led by Heiko Rust, this team develops methods to measure malfunctioning vestibulo-occular and vestibulo-spinal reflexes underlying poor balance control, and track their central compensation. Additionally, training with sensory substitution devices is being used as one method to improve balance control. Exact measurement of responses of both sensory systems is needed to better understand and assess the impact of regressive disorders on daily living and to control the therapeutical measures needed to support the recover processes from both types of human ear disorders.

Global Collaborations We believe that exact measurement and innovative therapies require a multidisciplinary approach. Our partners:

• FHNW
• Medizinische Hochschule Hanover
• Leading partners in the Hearing Industry