Imaging of excised cochleae by micro-CT: staining, liquid embedding, and image modalities.

Purpose: Assessing the complex three-dimensional (3D) structure of the cochlea is crucial to understanding the fundamental aspects of signal transduction in the inner ear and is a prerequisite for the development of novel cochlear implants. X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography offers destruction-free 3D imaging with little sample preparation, thus preserving the delicate structure of the cochlea. The use of heavy metal stains enables higher contrast and resolution and facilitates segmentation of the cochlea.

Multiscale photonic imaging of the native and implanted cochlea.

The cochlea of our auditory system is an intricate structure deeply embedded in the temporal bone. Compared with other sensory organs such as the eye, the cochlea has remained poorly accessible for investigation, for example, by imaging. This limitation also concerns the further development of technology for restoring hearing in the case of cochlear dysfunction, which requires quantitative information on spatial dimensions and the sensorineural status of the cochlea.