Feasibility of Round Window Stimulation by a Novel Electromagnetic Microactuator.
Biomed Res Int
; 2017: 6369247, 2017.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-29214174
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Most implantable hearing aids currently available were developed to compensate the sensorineural hearing loss by driving middle ear structures (e.g., the ossicles). These devices are successfully used in round window (RW) stimulation clinically, although this was initially not the intended use. Here, a novel microactuator, specifically designed for RW stimulation, was tested in human temporal bones to determine actuator performance and applicability.METHODS:
Stapes footplate response to RW stimulation was determined experimentally in human temporal bones and the obtained sound pressure output level was estimated.RESULTS:
The actuator had a flat displacement response between 0.125 and 4 kHz, a resonance between 4 and 7 kHz, and a roll-off above. At increasing contact force, the stapes footplate displacement decreased by 5-10 dB re µm for forces ≥ 2 mN. The equivalent sound pressure level between 0.125 and 4 kHz amounted to 87-97 eq dB SPL and increased to 117 eq dB SPL for frequencies of 4-7 kHz. The total harmonic distortion (THD) of the actuator ranged within 15-40% for static forces of 5 mN.CONCLUSION:
The feasibility of an electromagnetic actuator that may be placed into the RW niche was demonstrated but requires further optimization in terms of THD and static force sensitivity.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Diseño de Prótesis
/
Ventana Redonda
/
Estimulación Acústica
Límite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Biomed Res Int
Año:
2017
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Alemania