FireWire Finds New Applications in Medical Technology, Helping Measure Vestibular Function

For years, 1394 has been a preferred standard for developers and manufacturers of hearing aid technology that use FireWire to analyze and correct ear and hearing disorders.

Now, FireWire’s found its way into a new system currently used to analyze eye movements in patients suffering from balance disorders.  The process is known as video-nystagmography (VNG), and is a well-regarded and important upgrade of the standard electro-nystagmography (ENG) test protocol used in the clinical analysis of vestibular function – the sensory system in mammals that guides movement and balance.  Analyzing the vestibular function by measuring the speed and accuracy of eye movements is contributing to treatment options. FireWire’s ability to move video rapidly is highly beneficial to the VNG process; it has been incorporated into the infrared recording cameras, as well as the cables, allowing recordings that approach real-time (or almost instantaneous) speeds.

According to a comprehensive technical analysis authored by a trio of experts in Hearing Review, FireWire is making a real contribution. “Beyond the many benefits of VNG-based recordings and analysis, another major development has recently been applied to the clinical analysis of vestibular function: the application of “FireWire” to VNG,” according to the article. “FireWire technology facilitates an extremely fast transfer of electronic information between multiple digital devices.”  Originally presented in mid 2010, the study has been updated and is available on the Hearing Review website.