# Next-Gen Hearing Implants Researchers Created Better Hearing Implants Using Platinum Materials By Daniel Johnson | Published 2019-10-22 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hearing-implants References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2019/10/20/soft-platinum-hearing-implants/) & [actu.epfl.ch](https://actu.epfl.ch/news/epfl-is-developing-next-generation-soft-hearing-im/) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loop-dream) it is a highly conductive material, that is able to sit adjacent to the [auditory brain stem](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braincomputer-interfaces). This allows it to send out more targeted auditory signals than other hearing implants. Image Credit: EPFL ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 14% | Activity: 46% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### 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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bone Conduction Hearing Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hearing-aid-concept.md) - [DIY Bone Conduction Hearing Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mearsun.md) - [Hearing-Enhancing Headgear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sports-headgear.md) - [Nearly Invisible Hearing Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/core-one-pro.md) - [Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mems-speaker.md) - [Attention-Grabbing Hearing Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/overtone-hearing-aid.md) - [AI-Powered Hearing Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sonova.md) - [AI-Powered Hearing Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aipowered-hearing-aids.md) - [Anxiety-Reducing Earplug Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/earplug-design.md)