Michael J. Cevette, Ph.D.

Dr. Cevette's research interests span several areas that involve the function of the vestibular system and human hearing. Over the past several years he and the Aerospace Medicine & Vestibular Research Laboratory (AMVRL) team have investigated vestibular illusions underlying spatial disorientation in the aerospace environment.

By stimulation of the inner ear using small amounts of electrical current sensations of rotation and tilt are produced. When coupled with vision, flight simulation may be enhanced and the unwanted side effects of simulator sickness decreased. The mitigation of motion sickness is also being studied using the technique called galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS).

In addition, the strong vestibular illusion of coriolis may be manipulated using various GVS techniques. The basic research of selectively altering the function of the inner ear has promise as a tool to help patients with acute and chronic vertigo as well as space motion sickness in the spaceflight environment.

Dr. Cevette has also worked several years in the area of magnesium and hearing, particularly related to the protection of hearing and the reduction of tinnitus.