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Robotic Cochlear Implantation for Direct Cochlear Access
Published on: June 16, 2022
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The remaining obstacles for a totally implantable cochlear implant.
Mathieu Trudel1, David P Morris2
1Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery
|August 25, 2022
Summary
Totally implantable cochlear implants (TICIs) face challenges, but breakthroughs in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) energy harvesting and piezoelectric microphones offer solutions. These advancements could lead to self-sufficient implants, improving hearing rehabilitation and patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Development of totally implantable cochlear implants (TICIs) has been hindered by technical challenges.
- Existing cochlear implant (CI) prototypes face limitations in power supply and sensor technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the specifications required for a viable TICI.
- To identify and discuss the remaining challenges in TICI design, focusing on energy supply and implantable microphones.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of research on TICI development.
- Analysis of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) energy harvesting technologies.
- Evaluation of piezoelectric materials for implantable microphones.
Main Results:
- Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based energy harvesters using piezoelectric materials can generate sufficient power for self-sufficient implants.
- Implantable microphones utilizing similar fabrication techniques and transduction mechanisms can meet TICI sensor requirements.
- These technologies overcome limitations of traditional electrochemical batteries.
Conclusions:
- Breakthroughs in MEMS energy harvesting and piezoelectric microphones make TICIs more feasible.
- TICIs are expected to significantly enhance patients' quality of life.
- The development of TICIs may increase the appeal of hearing rehabilitation options.
