Benjamin T. Crane

Benjamin T. Crane, M.D., Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology and holds joint appointments in Biomedical Engineering and Neuroscience at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. As a leading expert in otology and neurotology, his research focuses on understanding motion perception and spatial orientation through psychophysical and engineering methodologies. He completed his M.D.-Ph.D. at UCLA, followed by residency and fellowship training at UCLA and Johns Hopkins. His work bridges clinical practice and research, addressing vestibular disorders, cochlear implants, and dizziness management. Dr. Crane has received numerous awards, including the American Neurotology Society’s Fellows Award (2008) and the Clinician Scientist Award (2010). His lab investigates vestibular system pathologies and develops adaptive vestibular rehabilitation techniques. Clinically, he specializes in treating conditions such as acoustic neuroma, otosclerosis, and superior canal dehiscence syndrome.

Education: M.D. and Ph.D. from University of California, Los Angeles (2000). Residency in Otolaryngology at UCLA (2001–2006), followed by a neurotology fellowship at Johns Hopkins (2007–2009).

Research Interests: Human motion perception, vestibular system disorders, visual-vestibular integration, spatial orientation pathologies, migraine-associated vertigo, and clinical applications of motion perception studies. Current projects include studying heading perception in healthy individuals and patients with vestibular hypofunction or central integration disorders.

Grants and Awards: Giannini Family Foundation fellowship, multiple travel awards, and recognition for resident teaching excellence. His research has led to innovations in vestibular rehabilitation and imaging protocols for cochlear implantation.

Lab and Clinical Roles: Principal Investigator of the Motion Perception & Spatial Orientation Lab. Collaborates across disciplines to advance understanding of vestibular dysfunction and improve clinical outcomes through translational research. Active in surgical education and resident training, maintaining a busy clinical practice in otology and neurotology.