Researchers have created new hearing implants, which could be used to offset inner ear damage. Scientists have tested the hearing implants on mice, and the team has also created a human-sized version. However, more research will be needed before the device undergoes human testing.
The hearing implants are a comfortable electrode implant, which is comprised of safe platinum. The platinum material is able to address issues of stiffness which have hindered other designs, which is due to the micron-level matching properties that platinum has. Once the platinum is wrapped in silicone it is a highly conductive material, that is able to sit adjacent to the auditory brain stem. This allows it to send out more targeted auditory signals than other hearing implants.
Image Credit: EPFL
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Platinum Hearing Implants
- Platinum materials are a disruptive innovation opportunity for creating more comfortable and precise hearing implants.
- Inner Ear Damage Solutions
- Developing hearing implants to offset inner ear damage is a trend with growing opportunities.
- Targeted Auditory Signals
- Creating implants that can send out more targeted auditory signals is an area ripe for disruption.
Sectors Adopting This
- Medical Devices
- The medical device industry can leverage platinum materials and targeted auditory signals to create more comfortable and precise hearing implants.
- Biotechnology
- Biotech companies can focus on developing solutions to inner ear damage by creating innovative hearing implants.
- Neurotechnology
- Developing hearing implants that can communicate with the auditory brain stem is a growing trend in the neurotechnology industry.
