Softer and thinner cochlear implants

Cochlear implants has provided hearing and a better life for hundreds of thousands and can be further improved.

The purpose of this research project is to reduce trauma and improve remaining hearing at the same time as providing a better electrical stimulation of the cochlear nerve by implanting a softer and thinner electrode array.

Our primary aim is to forward our microfluidic stretchable printed circuit board technology developed in the previous project and implanting our electrode arrays, evaluating them with different electrodes in vitro and in vivo Guinea pig models.

As an important second aim, the use of high-resolution 3D-printed moulds of a larger number of different cochlear specimens from humans will be used to improve the means for inner ear surgical handling of these very soft and compliant implants.The components will be made at the Division of Microsystem Technology, the models and in vitro studies at the Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery group, both at Uppsala University, and the and implantation and in vivo studies will be made at the Auditory Neuroscience Group, Linköping University.

Design and overall analyses will be made in collaboration.By fulfilling these aims, there should be conclusive results and a good understanding of the merits of the novel CI electrode arrays for clinical implementation.