Evaluation of an implantable piezoelectric floating mass transducer for sensorineural hearing loss

Finite element analysis of the coupling between ossicular chain and mass loading for evaluation of implantable hearing device

“…The only other published study that has looked directly at the effects of FMT loading on the long process of the incus experimentally was that by Hong et al (2009). Using a fresh temporal bone, Hong loaded a PFMT weighing 28 mg on the incus long process close to the incudostapedial joint.…”

“…MED-EL Vibrant Soundbridge; Counter, 2008), has a magnet surrounded by the induction coils in a small titanium cylinder, in which vibrations are produced to drive the ossicular chain due to the inertia of the moving magnet. Besides the above-mentioned electromagnetic devices, several devices equipped with piezoelectric transducers have been developed (Suzuki et al, 1995;Yanagihara et al, 1997;Zenner et al, 2000), Hong et al (2009) presented a piezoelectric floating mass transducer (PFMT) using a multi-layered piezoelectric actuator. Park et al (2011) conducted a comparative study of the performance of the PFMT and an FMT by human temporal bone experiment.…”

“…However, its performance depends on not only the frequency characteristic of the actuator, but also the mass, attachment location and mounting parameters (Abel et al, 2004;Needham et al, 2005;Perkins et al, 2010). In the existing literature, performance of transducers has been evaluated in several aspects: (a) mass loading effect on residual hearing (Gan et al, 2001;Needham et al, 2005;Nishihara et al, 1993;Perkins et al, 2010;Rosowski et al, 2007); (b) equivalent sound pressure output (Bornitz et al, 2010;Perkins et al, 2010;Rosowski et al, 2007); (c) feedback gain (Bornitz et al, 2010;Perkins et al, 2010) and (d) non linear distortion or sound fidelity (Hong et al, 2009;Rosowski et al, 2007). It is difficult to determine the impact of systematic variations of one or more mounting parameters by temporal bone experiments.…”

A piezoelectric bone-conduction bending hearing actuator

“…PMN-PT single crystal has enormous potential for actuating implanted hearing devices, and has recently been studied as a potential material for middle ear implants. 6,7 To our knowledge the SPAHA represents its first use for a boneconduction application.…”

A micro-drive hearing aid: a novel non-invasive hearing prosthesis actuator

“…By driving the ossicles directly, the MEI operates silently and the occlusion effect and feedback are eliminated. This translates to better sound quality compared to conventional hearing aids (Uziel et al 2003; Hough et al 2002). Examples of these devices include the Vibrant Soundbridge (MED-EL; Innsbruck, Austria) and the Esteem (Envoy Medical; St. Paul, MN).…”