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Author Spotlight: Optimizing EAS with Long Electrodes for Enhanced Cochlear Coverage and Hearing Preservation
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Energy-efficient waveform for electrical stimulation of the cochlear nerve
Marcus Yip1, Peter Bowers2,3, Victor Noel4
1Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Microsystems Technology Laboratories, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
Scientific Reports
|October 21, 2017
Summary
A new non-rectangular biphasic waveform for cochlear implants (CI) may save up to 25% energy. This innovation could enable fully-implantable cochlear implants, reducing social stigma and improving user utility.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Auditory Prosthetics
Background:
- Cochlear implants (CI) are successful neural prostheses for hearing loss.
- Current CIs have external components causing social stigma and limited utility.
- A fully-implantable CI (FICI) requires reduced power consumption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify an energy-efficient waveform for cochlear nerve stimulation.
- To enable the development of a fully-implantable cochlear implant.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a genetic algorithm with a computational model of a mammalian cochlear nerve fiber.
- Incorporated a stimulator-electrode-tissue interface model.
- Validated algorithm predictions in human CI subjects.
Main Results:
- A non-rectangular biphasic neural stimulation waveform was identified.
- This waveform may achieve up to 25% charge and energy savings.
- Savings are within the comfortable hearing range for CI users.
Conclusions:
- The novel waveform offers significant power savings for cochlear implants.
- This energy efficiency is crucial for advancing towards fully-implantable CI technology.
- The findings support the development of less visible and more functional auditory prostheses.
