Systems and devices for treating equilibrium disorders and improving gait and balance

An ear-worn device system comprising:

• an ear-worn device comprising
• a control circuit;
• a sensor package in communication with the control circuit;
• a power supply circuit in electrical communication with the control circuit;
• wherein a portion of the ear-worn device is configured to be inserted into a first ear canal of an ear-worn device wearer;
• a second ear-worn device comprising:
• a second control circuit;
• a second sensor package in communication with the control circuit;
• a second power supply circuit in electrical communication with the control circuit;
• wherein a portion of the second ear-worn device is configured to be inserted into a second ear canal of the ear-worn device wearer;
• wherein the system is configured to
• monitor ear-worn device wearer movement with a movement sensor integrated into the ear-worn device;
• identify a movement pattern consistent with an equilibrium disorder;
• estimate the characteristics of the equilibrium disorder;
• determine that the equilibrium disorder originates from one of the first ear or the second ear;
• and
• apply stimulation differentially based on the determination of the origin of the equilibrium disorder, the stimulation comprising at least one of caloric stimulation, nerve stimulation, auditory stimulation, electromagnetic stimulation, and optical stimulation.