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News: Electrode Array: A Key Factor to Decide the Future of Cochlear Implants

Electrode Array: A Key Factor to Decide the Future of Cochlear Implants

According to WHO, more than 430 million people worldwide live with hearing loss, and over five percent of the global population is affected by disabling hearing loss. And it would further rise to over 700 million people, or 1 in every 10 individuals by 2050 estimatedly.

For those with profound hearing impairment, cochlear implants offer a potential pathway to regain functional hearing and improve quality of life.

Central to these devices is the electrode array—a key element that must be carefully engineered to ensure precise delivery of auditory signals. In this article, we will examine why a thorough understanding of this component is crucial and how it may influence the future of cochlear implants.

Cochlear Implants
图片宽度:2560px, 图片高度:1707px Cochlear Implants

What is an Electrode Array?

The electrode array refers to a series of conductors that are arranged on a flexible, often spiral-shaped structure and are inserted into the cochlea. These conductors deliver precisely timed electrical impulses to the auditory nerve, serving in place of damaged sensory hair cells. By replicating the cochlea’s frequency-selective organization, the cochlear electrode translates incoming sound signals from the processor into patterns of neural stimulation that users perceive as meaningful audio.

Why is Electrode Array Important for Cochlear Implants?

Affects the Sound’s Resolution

In a cochlear implant, the electrode spacing between electrodes determines the frequency resolution of the cochlear implant. Closer electrode spacing can lead to overlapping stimulation areas, reducing the ability to distinguish between different frequencies. Conversely, appropriate electrode spacing can make frequency representation clearer, enhancing the perception of pitch and improving the ability to differentiate sounds.

Captures Soft and Lound Sound

The dynamic range, the span between the softest and loudest sounds, in the cochlear implant is determined by the electrical stimulation levels set for each electrode. These levels are typically defined by the Threshold (T) level, representing the minimum current required to elicit a perceptible sound, and the Comfort (C) level, indicating the maximum current that can be tolerated without discomfort. The difference between these levels constitutes the dynamic range for each electrode.

A study examining the impact of electrode array design on dynamic range found that different electrode types—such as lateral wall (LW) and perimodiolar (PM) designs—can affect electrophysiological and psychophysical measures, including the dynamic range. This suggests that the choice of electrode array design can influence how effectively a cochlear implant user perceives soft and loud sounds.

Influences on Cochlea

Although cochlear implants are vital for those who suffer from profound hearing loss, yet, the insertion of the electrode array of cochlear implants into the cochlea can potentially cause damage to its delicate structures. It may cause damage to the basilar membrane, organ of Corti, and other cochlear structures.

As a matter of fact, minimizing the damage of implants on the cochlea starts from its design.

  • Reducing the diameter of the electrode array decreases insertion force, thereby minimizing the risk of deviating into the scala vestibule or damaging other cochlear structures.
  • Thinner, more flexible electrode arrays are associated with better preservation of residual low-frequency hearing.
Using cochlear implant
图片宽度:2560px, 图片高度:1706px Using cochlear implant

How the Future of Electrode Array Push the Cochlear Implant Moving Forward?

The future of cochlear implant technology is evolving and would continually enhance auditory experiences for users. They would be included:

Increased Number of Electrodes

Expanding the number of electrodes in a cochlear implant can provide more precise stimulation of the auditory nerve, leading to improved sound resolution and better speech perception. This enhancement allows for finer frequency discrimination and a more natural hearing experience.

Customization of Electrode Lengths

Tailored or flexible length of electrode arrays to individual cochlear anatomies ensures optimal placement and coverage. This customization can enhance the preservation of residual hearing and improve the overall effectiveness of the implant.

Reduction in Electrode Thickness

Designing more thinner electrode arrays reduces insertion trauma and preserves cochlear structures. The thinner electrodes can navigate the cochlea more easily, minimizing the risk of damage during insertion and improving the preservation of residual hearing.

Introduce Nurotron’s Advancement in Electrode Array

At Nurotron, we comply with the trend of the future, innovating our cochlear implant system and pushing the industry moving forward. In the realm of electrode array, we can reach:

  • 3 Length Types on Electrode Array: At Nurotron, we have three different lengths on the electrode array, including TL (25.5mm), TM (22.0mm), and TS (17.5mm). It is flexible to ensure a more precise and comfortable fit during surgery
  • Up to 24 Electrode Channels and 2 Extracochlear Electrode: Our cochlear implant features robust 24+2 electrode channels, enabling comprehensive stimulation coverage. This design supports sophisticated auditory coding strategies for enhanced hearing outcomes
  • 3 mm Tips Diameter: Our dedication to the thin electrode array also embodies the whole tips measure: it is just 0.3 mm. This solution can minimize potential trauma to delicate cochlear structures, especially for children or patients with cochlear malformations or structural abnormalities

图片宽度:3000px, 图片高度:3000px

Conclusion

Electrode arrays in cochlear implants are progressing. By increasing the number of electrodes, customizing the array length, and creating a thinner electrode array, patients can own better hearing quality and can enhance their safety.

And our Nurotron’s system can meet the pursuit of future of cochlear implant. Please visit our Nurotron’s official website to get more information in the realm of hearing solutions or directly contact us!

Reference

  • Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss?
  • Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cochlear_implant
  • Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6646897/
  • Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-666X/13/7/1081?
  • Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6354527/
  • Available at: https://blog.medel.pro/products-updates/flex-cochlear-implant-electrode-arrays/?
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