This technology uses mass spectrometry to analyze earwax, helping to detect Meniere's disease.
Background :
Meniere's disease is a chronic inner ear disorder characterized by episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. The underlying causes of Meniere's disease are not fully understood, but it is believed to involve abnormal fluid buildup in the inner ear. Accurate diagnosis is crucial, as symptoms often overlap with other vestibular and auditory conditions, making differentiation challenging. Early and reliable detection is essential for effective management, as timely intervention can help prevent permanent hearing loss and improve patients' quality of life. Current diagnostic approaches for Meniere's disease rely heavily on clinical evaluation, patient history, and subjective symptom reporting, which can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. Audiometric tests and imaging techniques provide some information but lack the specificity and sensitivity to diagnose Meniere's disease. Biomarker-based diagnostics are limited, and there are no widely accepted, non-invasive tests that can definitively confirm the presence of the disease. As a result, patients often endure a lengthy diagnostic process, sometimes undergoing unnecessary treatments or experiencing prolonged uncertainty about their condition. This highlights the pressing need for more objective, reliable, and accessible diagnostic methods.
Technology Overview :
This technology uses mass spectrometry to analyze earwax samples to detect Meniere's disease. By collecting a small amount of earwax from a patient, the system can identify unique biochemical markers associated with the disease. The process involves precise measurement of molecular compounds in earwax, which are then compared with established profiles indicative of Meniere's disease. This approach offers a non-invasive, rapid, and potentially cost-effective method for screening and diagnosing patients, eliminating the need for more invasive or complex diagnostic procedures. What sets this technology apart is its innovative use of earwax—a readily accessible and underutilized biological sample—for disease detection. Traditional diagnostic methods for Meniere's disease often rely on subjective symptom reporting, audiometric tests, and imaging, which can be time-consuming and inconclusive. By leveraging the sensitivity and specificity of mass spectrometry, this solution provides a molecular-level assessment capable of detecting subtle biochemical changes associated with the disease. This not only enhances diagnostic accuracy but also opens new avenues for monitoring disease progression and response to treatment, making it a significant advancement in the field of otolaryngology.
Advantages :
Applications :
Intellectual Property Summary : Patent Pending 18/778,456
Stage of Development : TRL 4
Licensing Status : This technology is available for licensing.
About the Research Foundation for the State University of New York:
As the nation's largest research foundation supporting the nation's largest public university system, The Research Foundation for SUNY powers research and innovation to address today's most pressing problems and shape a better future for generations to come. The Research Foundations supports SUNY researchers leading the way globally in AI for the public good, quantum technologies, next-generation semiconductors, biotech and medicine, energy and climate solutions, and more. The Research Foundation for SUNY is a private, nonprofit educational corporation that is tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3). To learn more, please visit us online at rfsuny.org .
About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state's only college of optometry, 12 Educational Opportunity Centers, over 30 ATTAIN digital literacy labs, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.7 million students across its portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2025, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and annually one in three New Yorkers who earn a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu .