Soft Brainstem Implant Provides Enhanced Hearing Resolution: Researchers
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Synopsis
A research team at EPFL has developed a soft auditory brainstem implant that conforms to the brainstem's surface, potentially improving hearing restoration for those unable to use cochlear implants. This innovative device enhances tissue contact and reduces side effects.
Key Takeaways
- New soft auditory brainstem implant developed.
- Improves tissue contact, reducing side effects.
- Promising alternative for patients with cochlear nerve damage.
- Extensive behavioral experiments conducted in macaques.
- Flexible microfabrication allows customization for various anatomies.
New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) A research team at EPFL’s Laboratory for Soft Bioelectronic Interfaces in Switzerland announced the creation of a soft, thin-film auditory brainstem implant (ABI) that perfectly adapts to the brainstem's curved surface.
The innovative device integrates micrometer-scale platinum electrodes within silicone, forming an adaptable array that is just a fraction of a millimeter thick.
This groundbreaking method, detailed in Nature Biomedical Engineering, promotes improved tissue contact, potentially reducing off-target nerve stimulation and minimizing side effects.
Over the past two decades, numerous individuals have regained hearing through the most effective neurotechnology to date: the cochlear implant.
However, for those with a cochlear nerve severely compromised for a standard cochlear implant, an auditory brainstem implant (ABI) offers a promising alternative.
“Creating a soft implant that accurately conforms to the brainstem environment is a vital achievement in restoring hearing for patients unable to utilize cochlear implants. Our success with macaques indicates significant potential for applying this technology clinically and providing enhanced, more accurate hearing,” remarked Stephanie P. Lacour, head of the Laboratory for Soft Bioelectronic (LSBI) Interfaces at EPFL.
Instead of merely depending on surgical evaluations, the team conducted extensive behavioral studies in macaques with intact hearing.
This approach allowed researchers to assess how effectively the animals could differentiate between electrical stimulation patterns as they would in natural acoustic hearing.
“Our primary objective was to utilize soft, bioelectronic interfaces to enhance electrode-tissue compatibility,” explained Alix Trouillet, a former postdoctoral researcher at EPFL and co-first author of the study. “If the array naturally adapts to the brainstem’s curved anatomy, we can reduce stimulation thresholds and sustain more active electrodes for high-resolution hearing.”
In addition to conformability, the soft array’s flexible microfabrication allows for customization to various anatomies.
Although these results are encouraging, transitioning to a market-ready soft ABI will necessitate further research and regulatory procedures, according to the authors.
