There are numerous blood tests currently to diagnose diseases and health disorders. But it was great news to hear that a simple blood test was discovered to detect common disorders like hearing loss and vertigo.

At present, hearing loss could be diagnosed only by hearing tests such as audiogram. But it was impossible to detect at an earlier stage itself. Similarly, it was equally challenging to detect vertigo where several expensive and time-consuming imaging tests are used.

Dr. Kourosh Parham, associate professor and director of research in the Division of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery from UConn Health had discovered two unique inner ear proteins (Prestin and Otolin-1) in minute quantities in the blood, which could be served as blood biomarkers and their levels would be correlated with the extent of inner ear disorders well in advance. The release of these biomarkers could be traced via blood tests.

The blood biomarker named Prestin has been linked to hearing loss. In the same way,  the unique protein called Otolin-1 has been linked to vertigo.

This unique blood test for hearing loss and vertigo was developed and patented in the name of  Dr. Kourosh Parham, who is currently testing its effect at UConn Health. Since the test gave positive reports in the laboratory, he will be proceeding to human trials soon.