The Influence of Implantable Actuators on Residual Hearing: A Computational Study

Abstract:

Several types of middle ear implants have been invented as an alternative to conventional hearing aids for the rehabilitation of sensorineural hearing loss. To study the effect of the implanted site of their actuators on human residual hearing, a human middle ear finite element model was constructed. This model was build based on a complete set of computerized tomography section images of a healthy volunteers left ear by reverse engineering technology. The result shows that the tympanic membrane driving actuator and the incus long process driving actuator produce mass loading effect prominently at high frequencies. Whereas, the incus body driving actuator generates adverse effect on residual hearing mainly at low frequencies.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volumes 511-512)
• Pages: 126-129
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.511-512.126
• Online since: February 2014
• Authors: Hou Guang Liu*, Lian Xue, Gang Cheng, Zhi Hong Cheng
• Keywords: Actuator, Hearing Loss, Middle Ear Implant, Residual Hearing, Stapes Footplate

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