AUTHOR=Cury Joaquin , Rivera Arnaldo , Schneider Rebecca , Tan Ray , Tan Xiaodong , Richter Claus-Peter 

TITLE=Optical method to preserve residual hearing in patients receiving a cochlear implant

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Audiology and Otology

VOLUME=Volume 2 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/audiology-and-otology/articles/10.3389/fauot.2024.1376699

DOI=10.3389/fauot.2024.1376699

ISSN=2813-6055

ABSTRACT=Worldwide, thousands of patients with severe to profound hearing loss restore their hearing with cochlear implant devices. Newer developments in electrode design and manufacturing and a better understanding of cochlear mechanics allow for conserving critical structures, often translating into serviceable residual hearing and improving device performance. Monitoring insertion speed and intraluminal pressure helps mitigate some of these challenges. However, the information becomes available after irreparable damage has occurred. Miniaturized cameras allow for real-time navigation, proper placement of the electrode, and preservation of these critical structures. We developed and tested a high-resolution optical system to navigate the intricate anatomy of the cochlea during the electrode insertion. Our device will be compatible with robotic platforms that are already available to insert these electrodes.