By Capt Harvey D. Hudson, AuDStaff Audiologist, WHMC
By Capt Harvey D. Hudson, AuD
Staff Audiologist, WHMC
The Audiology and Neurotology Service staff at Wilford Hall Medical Center has initiated a joint effort with the School of Aerospace Medicine at Brooks AFB to develop the Air Force Hearing and Balance Center. To be located in Building 125, Brooks AFB, the Center is scheduled to begin operations on 4–Oct–02. The intent of the new center is to focus local resources on the clinical management of beneficiaries presenting with balance disorders while simultaneously conducting research in vestibular system function. Additionally, the center will directly support the Air Force Consult Service also at Brooks AFB.
Current efforts are focused on upgrading and acquiring new clinical and research equipment. In addition to the new rotary system chair already in place, requests have been made for computerized dynamic posturography, videonystagmography, and 3D eye tracking units. Once all new equipment is installed the Air Force Hearing and Balance Center will be capable of providing complete hearing and balance assessments, to include posturography, low and high–frequency sinusoidal harmonic acceleration, videonystagmography, and vestibular evoked myogenic potential testing.
The goal for clinical evaluations is for the patient to receive all pertinent tests and the initial otology exam in one extended visit. Research efforts will focus primarily on flight crew members. Planned projects include assessment of vestibular adaptation, assessment of otolith function in non–terrestrial gravity, and assessment of otolith function following hypergravity exposure. If you have any questions or desire additional information please contact us at DSN 554-5421.
