Biomaterials for implantable middle ear hearing devices

The use of biomaterials to ameliorate the effects of diseases dates back centuries to the ancient Greeks and Chinese. In the twentieth century, the use of synthetic and natural materials rapidly increased as clinicians developed problem-solving strategies. From replacement prostheses, to structural polymers, to the controlled release of engineered proteins into the body, to the present-day tissue engineering, biomaterials have transformed medicine. The ear is no exception. Various alloplastic and homograft biomaterials have been used to restore hearing with ossicular replacement prostheses, cochlear implants, and most recently, implantable middle ear devices. This article updates an earlier review of biomaterials used in implantable middle ear devices and focuses on biomaterials used in implantable middle ear devices currently under development or in clinical trials.