A new strategy for development of transducers for middle ear implants.

Conclusion: The new strategy was efficient in designing and fabricating a new transducer for middle ear implants. The transducer could overcome important limitations (implantability of transducers, functional needs) of practical application of currently existing implants. The strategy uncovers the potential of translational research in this area of audiology.

Tympanic-ossicular prostheses and MEMS technology: whats and whys.

Conclusions: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology fulfils the requirements of implantable middle ear devices and consequently it becomes an excellent option to design and develop the related transducers.

Objectives: To present a summarized overview of the fundamentals of mechanical technologies in relation to middle ear implants research.

Materials And Methods: Analysis of the possibilities, limitations and practical applications of MEMS as regards the research, development, transference and fabrication processes.

Study of a temporal bone of Homo heildelbergensis.

Conclusions: The characteristic features of the Hh specimen conformed to those of other Pleistocene human fossils, indicating strong cranial structures and a heavy mandible. The mastoid was large and suggested a powerful sternocleidomastoid muscle. The inner ear and tympanic cavities were similar in size and orientation, suggesting that their functions were probably similar.