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A pathway for information transmission to the inner ear. Application to cochlear implants
A A Leirner1, M S Oshiro, C A Nunes
1ENT Department, Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
ASAIO Journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs : 1992)
|July 1, 1992
Summary
An infrared (IR) system transmits audio signals through the tympanic membrane for cochlear implants, overcoming limitations of existing radiofrequency and percutaneous methods. This novel approach offers a reliable, interference-immune data transmission for neurosensory deafness aids.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Otolaryngology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Cochlear implants are established aids for neurosensory deafness.
- Current signal transmission methods (radiofrequency, percutaneous) have drawbacks like electromagnetic interference and infection risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and test an infrared (IR) system for transmitting audio signals through the tympanic membrane for cochlear implants.
- To overcome the limitations of existing transcutaneous and percutaneous transmission methods.
Main Methods:
- An IR transmitter/receiver system using an LED (920 nm) and a photovoltaic cell was designed.
- The system was tested in four dogs, with the LED in the auditory canal and the cell in the tympanic cavity.
- Sinusoidal signal modulation was applied to the LED, and signal transmission through the tympanic membrane was analyzed.
Main Results:
- The IR signal was detected undistorted after passing through the tympanic membrane.
- Average absorbance through the tympanic membrane was 20%.
- The system demonstrated adequate high-frequency cut-off for cochlear implant and audio prosthetic applications.
Conclusions:
- The tympanic membrane can serve as a translucent, sealed interface for transmitting audio-range data.
- The IR system offers a method with minimal power loss, good frequency response, and immunity to interference.
- This technology presents a viable alternative for signal transmission in auditory prosthetics.