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20 | InTouch AUGUST 2022 RESEARCH combination of the different auditory and vestibular functions may indicate subtle change over time making these assessments a useful marker of change for clinical trials,”says Associate Professor Richard Roxburgh. “In a recent study, balance problems – together with ankle weakness and resulting mobility issues – were identified as being one of the factors having the greatest impact on quality of life in people with CMT. All these increase with disease duration and age and so working out the cause of the balance problems – how much of this is motor, how much sensory and how Dr Rachael Taylor is an audiologist and Research Fellow from the University of Auckland. as assessment of peripheral nerves and vestibular function. If you have CMT1A and would like to learn more about participating in this study, please email the Study Coordinator cbrnrc@auckland.ac.nz Characterising VIIIth cranial nerve involvement in CMT1A has been made possible from a Neurological Foundation grant and is also supported by the Duncan Foundation. Characterising VIIIth cranial nerve involvement in CMT1A has been made possible from a Neurological Foundation grant and is also supported by the Duncan Foundation. much due to vestibular dysfunction – is therefore critical to understanding how to improve quality of life.” Dr Rachael Taylor adds that “vestibular physiotherapy that targets specific vestibular deficits is now widely available and while not yet proven in CMT it is effective in other diseases. This study may therefore identify a treatable cause of the disability caused by CMT.” The team at the CBR Neurogenetic Clinic plan to see at least 50 people with CMT1A. Adults with CMT1A of any age are welcome to join the study, which involves a thorough hearing assessment and clinical recommendations, as well