Cochlear implants (CIs) are used for compensating the so-called deep sensorineural deafness. CIs are usually powered by rechargeable or long-lasting batteries. In this paper, the feasibility of a fully implanted stand-alone device able to provide the electric power required for stimulating the auditory nerve, without external recharging, is investigated. At first, we demonstrate that the sound wave entering the ear is not a sufficient power source. Then, we propose a solution exploiting the mechanical energy associated to head vibration during walking. The energetic feasibility of this approach is demonstrated based on experimental measurements of head motions. Preliminary considerations on the technical feasibility of a fully implanted energy harvester are finally presented.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/IEMBS.2009.5332449 | DOI Listing |
Growing numbers of children and adults who are deaf are eligible to receive cochlear implants (CI), which provide access to everyday sound. CIs in both ears (bilateral CIs or BiCIs) are becoming standard of care in many countries. However, their effectiveness is limited because they do not adequately restore the acoustic cues essential for sound localization, particularly interaural time differences (ITDs) at low frequencies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFActa Otorhinolaryngol Ital
December 2024
Unit of Audiology, Regional Centre of Cochlear Implants and ENT Diseases, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.
Objectives: This research aims to validate the digits-in-noise (DIN) test for the Italian language and develop a version capable of independently assessing both ears while maintaining acceptable administration times.
Methods: Individual digits from 0 to 9 in Italian were recorded and adjusted to equalise recognition probabilities. An iOS application (APP) was developed for the independent ear test using triplets in noise.
JBI Evid Synth
January 2025
Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Touro University Nevada, Henderson, NV, USA.
Objective: The objective of this review is to evaluate the effect of cochlear implants on cognitive function in pediatric patients with hearing loss.
Introduction: Cognitive impairments have been reported in children with hearing loss. This is supported by the auditory scaffolding hypothesis, which describes sound as the basis for processing sequential information.
Orphanet J Rare Dis
January 2025
Department of Neurosurgery, Helios Klinikum Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany.
Background: NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2) is associated with various tumors of the central and peripheral nervous system. There is a wide range of disabilities these patients may suffer from and there is no validated clinical classification for disease severity. We propose a clinical classification consisting of three severity grades to assist in patient management.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTissue Cell
December 2024
ENT Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt. Electronic address:
Background: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common sensory deficit worldwide. Current solutions for SNHL, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, and hearing assistive devices, do not provide consistent results and fail to address the underlying pathology of hair cell and ganglion cell damage. Stem cell therapy is a cornerstone in regenerative medicine.
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