Abstract: The invention provides a method for the treatment of prophylaxis of autoimmune inner ear disease, in particular, deafness caused by autoimmune inner ear disease, which comprises administering to a host in need thereof a vaccine comprising peripheral myelin protein zero. The invention further provides diagnostic methods and kits derived from the protein.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the treatment of prophylaxis of autoimmune inner ear disease, in particular, deafness caused by autoimmune inner ear disease, which comprises administering to a host in need thereof a vaccine comprising peripheral myelin protein zero. The invention further provides diagnostic methods and kits derived from the protein.

Abstract: A stabilizer (18) for a total or partial middle-ear prosthesis ending in a columella (23) bearing against the base (8) of the stapes. The stabilizer (18) has a plane substantially oval support surface (19) which matches the shape of the surface of the base (8) and is received between the remnants (20) of the stapedial arch (7). The body of the stabilizer (18) narrows from its support surface (19) to a substantially cylindrical end portion (21) and is provided at its center with a cylindrical through hole (22) which matches and receives the cylindrical contour of the end of the columella (23). This stabilizer (18) prevents the lateral displacement of the columella (23) on the base (8) and maintains sound transmission between the latter and the columella.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical prosthesis.This is a middle-ear prosthesis (16) provided with a means (23) of fastening to the tympanic frame (24), a flexible suspension means (22), and a means of transmitting sound between the tympanic membrane (3) and the oval window, the transmission means comprising an arm (17) representing the malleus (4) and connected to a second arm (19) representing the incus (6) and connected to the stapes (8) or to a columella (21) representing it.The suspension to the tympanic frame (24) ensures better compliance and the independent articulation to the tympanic membrane (3), on the one hand, and to the base (10) of the steps (8), on the other hand, effects a diminution of impedance, thus giving better transmission of sound between the external ear and the inner ear.