Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure features methods for estimating a vestibular function of a subject. The methods include moving the subject along a first direction parallel to the direction of gravity, receiving a first input set from the subject, the first input set indicating the subject's perception of the first direction, and estimating a first parameter related to a first vestibular function of the subject based on the first input. The methods further includes changing an orientation of the subject with respect to the earth, moving the subject along a second direction after changing the orientation of the subject, and receiving a second input set from the subject, the second input set indicating the subject's perception of the second direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a subject's threshold for perceiving acceleration includes a motion platform to execute motions and to receive a response to the executed motions from a subject on the motion platform and a feedback system in communication with the motion platform to receive the subject's responses and to determine a next motion. The next motion has at least one feature determined based on the response of the subject to the executed motions.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for estimating a vestibular function of a subject include a motion platform for supporting a subject and an input device configured to receive confidence ratings from the subject. The motion platform is configured to execute one or more motions. The confidence ratings are related to the subject's perception of the one or more motions. The apparatus further includes a processer configured to fit a cumulative distribution function to the confidence ratings, determine a relationship configured to link the cumulative distribution function to an underlying noise distribution, and output parameters associated with the vestibular function based at least in part on the relationship.

Abstract: The methods, systems, and computer program products described herein enable the amount of information that can be acquired during a defined period of vestibular testing to be significantly increased while also significantly reducing the time required to collect data during such vestibular testing. These objects are achieved by intelligent data collection methods and systems configured to adaptively control a motion platform in a way that increases the amount of information gleaned from each data collection event and to achieve synergies based on the different types of, and the order of, data analysis and calibration methods used.

Abstract: A method for predicting whether a patient is afflicted by a vestibular disorder includes assaying vestibular noise; identifying a characteristic of the vestibular noise; and at least in part on the basis of the characteristic of the vestibular noise, providing information for predicting that a patient has a vestibular disorder.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure features methods for estimating a vestibular function of a subject. The methods include moving the subject along a first direction parallel to the direction of gravity, receiving a first input set from the subject, the first input set indicating the subject's perception of the first direction, and estimating a first parameter related to a first vestibular function of the subject based on the first input. The methods further includes changing an orientation of the subject with respect to the earth, moving the subject along a second direction after changing the orientation of the subject, and receiving a second input set from the subject, the second input set indicating the subject's perception of the second direction.

Abstract: The methods, systems, and computer program products described herein enable the amount of information that can be acquired during a defined period of vestibular testing to be significantly increased while also significantly reducing the time required to collect data during such vestibular testing. These objects are achieved by intelligent data collection methods and systems configured to adaptively control a motion platform in a way that increases the amount of information gleaned from each data collection event and to achieve synergies based on the different types of, and the order of data analysis and calibration methods used.

Abstract: A method for predicting whether a patient is afflicted by a vestibular disorder includes assaying vestibular noise; identifying a characteristic of the vestibular noise; and at least in part on the basis of the characteristic of the vestibular noise, providing information for predicting that a patient has a vestibular disorder.

Abstract: A method for providing relief from Meniere's disease, includes reversibly disabling vestibular function following detection of an attack of Meniere's disease following detection of an attack of Meniere's disease.

Abstract: Methods and systems, including computer readable mediums, are provided for transforming a measurement made relative to a first reference frame into a corresponding measurement relative to a second reference frame. Sensor signals that are produced by sensors in response to the sensors' motion relative to the first reference frame are transformed using a transformation matrix. The transformation generates corrected sensor signals that are relative to the axes of the second reference frame.

Abstract: An apparatus to reduce the sensitivity of the vestibular system to stimulation. The apparatus comprises a plugging device configured to constrain the movement of endolymph fluid within a semicircular canal, and a control module coupled to the plugging device that causes the plugging device to maintain a set actuated position.

Abstract: Methods and systems, including computer readable mediums, are provided for transforming a measurement made relative to a first reference frame into a corresponding measurement relative to a second reference frame. Sensor signals that are produced by sensors in response to the sensors' motion relative to the first reference frame are transformed using a transformation matrix. The transformation generates corrected sensor signals that are relative to the axes of the second reference frame.

Abstract: Methods and systems, including computer readable mediums, are provided for transforming a measurement made relative to a first reference frame into a corresponding measurement relative to a second reference frame. Sensor signals that are produced by sensors in response to the sensors' motion relative to the first reference frame are transformed using a transformation matrix. The transformation generates corrected sensor signals that are relative to the axes of the second reference frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a subject's threshold for perceiving acceleration includes a motion platform to execute motions and to receive a response to the executed motions from a subject on the motion platform and a feedback system in communication with the motion platform to receive the subject's responses, and to determine a next motion. The next motion has at least one feature determined based on the response of the subject to the executed motions.

Abstract: A method for assessing vestibular system function includes stimulating the inner ear with an audible range signal; collecting data representative of audible range ocular motion; and on the basis of the data, evaluating vestibular system function.

Abstract: Methods and systems, including computer readable mediums, are provided for transforming a measurement made relative to a first reference frame into a corresponding measurement relative to a second reference frame. Sensor signals that are produced by sensors in response to the sensors' motion relative to the first reference frame are transformed using a transformation matrix. The transformation generates corrected sensor signals that are relative to the axes of the second reference frame.

Abstract: Methods and systems, including computer readable mediums, are provided for transforming a measurement made relative to a first reference frame into a corresponding measurement relative to a second reference frame. Sensor signals that are produced by sensors in response to the sensors' motion relative to the first reference frame are transformed using a transformation matrix. The transformation generates corrected sensor signals that are relative to the axes of the second reference frame.