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Noise Exposure on Human Cochlea During Cochleostomy Formation Using Conventional and a Hand Guided Robotic Drill
Xinli Du1, Yu Zhang1, Nikolaos Boulgouris1
1Brunel University London, London, UK.
Summary
Robotic drilling significantly reduces cochlear disturbance compared to conventional methods. This innovative technique offers a safer approach, minimizing the risk of acoustic trauma and preserving residual hearing in patients undergoing cochleostomy.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surgical Technology
Background:
- Cochleostomy is a critical surgical procedure for hearing restoration.
- Conventional drilling methods can induce significant acoustic disturbance within the cochlea.
- Protecting residual hearing during cochleostomy is paramount for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the cochlear disturbance caused by conventional drilling versus robotic drilling during cochleostomy.
- To quantify the acoustic impact of different drilling techniques on the inner ear.
Main Methods:
- Experimental measurements using Laser Doppler Vibrometer during cochleostomy on human cadaver heads.
- Drilling processes were performed using both conventional and hand-guided robotic drills.
- Vibrometer data was converted to Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) for comparative analysis.
Main Results:
- Robotic drilling consistently generated lower levels of cochlear disturbance compared to conventional drilling.
- The reduced disturbance was observed across the entire hearing frequency range.
- This indicates a less traumatic acoustic environment with robotic assistance.
Conclusions:
- Robotic drilling presents a safer alternative for cochleostomy procedures.
- The technology minimizes the risk of acoustic trauma to the cochlea.
- Preservation of residual hearing is enhanced by employing robotic drilling techniques.
