Researchers Developing Softer, Smaller Hearing Aid
From: Medical Design Briefs - 09/28/2017

Researchers want to develop a softer, smaller micro-robotic device in which a
cochlear implants' electrode array is embedded to mimic the electrical
signals with which a cochlear structure communicates with the human nervous
system. By a full 2.5-turn insertion, the patient’s nervous system will
receive wider frequencies.

The researchers will use both machine and statistical learning to explore the
vast array of possibilities for the new device structures. They will look to
find which combinations or parameters are most fit for each patient’s
structure with least damage. They also want to determine a comfortable amount
of “hugging” (how the implant grips the structures surrounding it when placed
inside a patient’s inner ear). They will then work to develop the device, as
well as the method for inserting the cochlear implant electrode array into
each device.

Read the entire article at:
https://www.medicaldesignbriefs.com/component/content/article/mdb/news/27622

Source:
Iowa State researchers begin work on new, improved hearing aid
https://news.engineering.iastate.edu/2017/09/07/hear-me-now-iowa-state-researchers-begin-work-on-new-improved-hearing-aid