Actuators for the cochlear implant

Abstract

The multi-channeled cochlear implant device has been proved safe and effective with simultaneous multi electrical stimulation delivered to the inner ear. It provides profoundly deaf people with the opportunity for a life transforming experience by placing them in the world of hearing. But for optimal hearing restoration a proper surgical insertion process and the close placement of the array to the hearing nerves are required. To achieve this, a conducting polymer electroactuator has been developed. The electroactuator can either be inserted into the lumen of a commonly used Nucleus 24 Contour® electrode or can be attached to the outside of the electrode. By varying the applied potential it ..