Development of gold wire-based electrodes for the direct round window stimulation for tinnitus suppression

Objective: To investigate the effects of the mechanical trauma to the round window, a model electrode inserted into the scala tympani on the cochlear reserve, and the efficacy of topical steroids in preventing hearing loss. Materials and Methods: 21 male Wistar Albino rats were equally categorized into three groups. In all groups an initial mechanical injury to round window was created. Only subsequent dexamethasone injection was administrated into the cochlea in the subjects of group 2 while a multichannel cochlear implant guide inserted into the cochlea prior to dexamethasone administration for group 3. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were obtained prior to and immediately after the surgical injury, eventually on postoperative seventh day (d 7). Mean signal/noise ratios (S/Ns) obtained at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz were calculated. Data sets were compared with non-parametric statistical tests. Results: The early intraoperative mean S/Ns were significantly less than preoperative measurements for group 1 and 2; however, preoperative and postoperative d 7 average S/Ns did not differ. There was statistically significant difference between preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative d 7 average S/Ns for group 3. Conclusion: We observed that hearing was restored approximately to the preoperative levels following early postoperative repair. However, an electrode insertion into the cochlea via round window subsequent to mechanical trauma seems to cause a progressive hearing loss. Therefore, a special care must be taken to avoid the injury to the round window membrane in the course of the placement of a cochlear implant electrode and surgery for the chronic otitis media.

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Cochlear Implantation Following Explorative Tympanotomy in Patients With Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Surgical Features and Audiological Outcomes

Ear Nose & Throat Journal ◽

10.1177/01455613211009141 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 014556132110091

Author(s):

Robin Rupp ◽

Joachim Hornung ◽

Matthias Balk ◽

Matti Sievert ◽

Sarina Müller ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Connective Tissue ◽

Sensorineural Hearing Loss ◽

Cochlear Implantation ◽

Round Window ◽

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss ◽

Sensorineural Hearing ◽

Round Window Membrane ◽

Hearing Results ◽

Round Window Niche

Objective: To investigate the anatomical status of the round window niche and hearing outcome of cochlear implantation (CI) after explorative tympanotomy (ExT) with sealing of the round window membrane in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss at a tertiary referral medical center. Methods: Between January 1, 2007, and July 30, 2020, 1602 patients underwent CI at our department. Out of these, all patients previously treated by ExT with sealing of the round window membrane because of unilateral sudden hearing loss were included in the study. A retrospective chart review was conducted concerning method of round window membrane sealing, intraoperative findings during CI, postoperative imaging, and hearing results. Results: Twenty one patients (9 females; 8 right ears; 54.3 years [± 12.9 years]) underwent ExT with sealing of the round window membrane with subsequent CI after 26.6 months (± 32.9 mo) on average. During CI, in 76% of cases (n = 16), the round window niche was blocked by connective tissue due to the previous intervention but could be removed completely in all cases. The connective tissue itself and its removal had no detrimental effects on the round window membrane. Postoperative computed tomography scan showed no electrode dislocation. Mean postoperative word recognition score after 3 months was 57.4% (± 17.2%) and improved significantly to 73.1% (± 16.4%, P = .005) after 2 years. Conclusion: Performing CI after preceding ExT, connective tissue has to be expected blocking the round window niche. Remaining tissue can be removed safely and does not alter the round window membrane allowing for a proper electrode insertion. Short- and long-term hearing results are satisfactory. Consequently, ExT with sealing of the round window membrane in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss does not impede subsequent CI that can still be performed safely.

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Surgical considerations during cochlear implantation: the utility of temporal bone computed tomography

The Journal of Laryngology & Otology ◽

10.1017/s0022215121000232 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Beomcho Jun ◽

Sunwha Song

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Temporal Bone ◽

Cochlear Implantation ◽

Round Window ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Electrode Placement ◽

Posterior Tympanotomy ◽

Electrode Insertion ◽

Window Approach ◽

Bone Structures

Abstract Objective This paper describes the construction of portals for electrode placement during cochlear implantation and emphasises the utility of pre-operative temporal bone three-dimensional computed tomography. Methods Temporal bone three-dimensional computed tomography was used to plan portal creation for electrode insertion. Results Pre-operative temporal bone three-dimensional computed tomography can be used to determine the orientation of temporal bone structures, which is important for mastoidectomy, posterior tympanotomy and cochleostomy, and when using the round window approach. Conclusion It is essential to create appropriate portals (from the mastoid cortex to the cochlea) in a step-by-step manner, to ensure the safe insertion of electrodes into the scala tympani. Pre-operative three-dimensional temporal bone computed tomography is invaluable in this respect.

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Effect of unilateral cochlear implant use on contralateral electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses to round window membrane electrical stimulation

Acta Oto-Laryngologica ◽

10.1080/00016489.2021.1906443 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Jun-Ge Zhang ◽

Li Chen ◽

Ping Li ◽

Jing-Wu Sun ◽

Xiao-Tao Guo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Electrical Stimulation ◽

Cochlear Implant ◽

Round Window ◽

Auditory Brainstem ◽

Auditory Brainstem Responses ◽

Round Window Membrane

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Hydraulic insertions of cochlear implant electrode arrays into the human cadaver cochlea: preliminary findings

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology ◽

10.1007/s00405-021-06979-z ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

M. Geraldine ◽

Thomas Lenarz ◽

Thomas S. Rau

Keyword(s):

Cochlear Implant ◽

Outcome Measurement ◽

Round Window ◽

Handling Time ◽

Human Cadaver ◽

Hydraulic Actuator ◽

Electrode Arrays ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Insertion Tool ◽

Set Up

Abstract Objectives (1) To evaluate the feasibility of a non-invasive, novel, simple insertion tool to perform automated, slow insertions of cochlear implant electrode arrays (EA) into a human cadaver cochlea; (2) to estimate the handling time required by our tool. Methods Basic science study conducted in an experimental OR. Two previously anonymized human cadaver heads, three commercially available EAs, and our novel insertion tool were used for the experiments. Our tool operates as a hydraulic actuator that delivers an EA at continuous velocities slower than manually feasible. Intervention(s): the human cadaver heads were prepared with a round-window approach for CI surgery in a standard fashion. Twelve EA insertion trials using our tool involved: non-invasive fixation of the tool to the head; directing the tool to the round window and EA mounting onto the tool; automated EA insertion at approximately 0.1 mm/s driven by hydraulic actuation. Outcome measurement(s): handling time of the tool; post-insertion cone-beam CT scans to provide intracochlear evaluation of the EA insertions. Results Our insertion tool successfully inserted an EA into the human cadaver cochlea (n = 12) while being attached to the human cadaver head in a non-invasive fashion. Median time to set up the tool was 8.8 (7.2–9.4) min. Conclusion The first insertions into the human cochlea using our novel, simple insertion tool were successful without the need for invasive fixation. The tool requires < 10 min to set up, which is clinically acceptable. Future assessment of intracochlear trauma is needed to support its safety profile for clinical translation.

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Design Study of a Round Window Piezoelectric Transducer for Active Middle Ear Implants

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s21030946 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (3) ◽

pp. 946

Author(s):

Dong Ho Shin

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Sensorineural Hearing Loss ◽

Middle Ear ◽

Piezoelectric Transducer ◽

Round Window ◽

Piezoelectric Element ◽

Sensorineural Hearing ◽

Flat Band ◽

Middle Ear Implants ◽

Output Characteristics

This report describes the design of a new piezoelectric transducer for round window (RW)-driven middle ear implants. The transducer consists of a piezoelectric element, gold-coated copper bellows, silicone elastomer (polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS), metal cylinder (tungsten), and titanium housing. The piezoelectric element is fixed to the titanium housing and mechanical resonance is generated by the interaction of the bellows, PDMS, and tungsten cylinder. The dimensions of PDMS and the tungsten cylinder with output characteristics suitable for compensation of sensorineural hearing loss were derived by mechanical vibrational analysis (equivalent mechanical model and finite element analysis (FEA)). Based on the results of FEA, the RW piezoelectric transducer was implemented, and bench tests were performed under no-load conditions to confirm the output characteristics. The transducer generates an average displacement of 219.6 nm in the flat band (0.1–1 kHz); the resonance frequency is 2.3 kHz. To evaluate the output characteristics, the response was compared to that of an earlier transducer. When driven by the same voltage (6 Vp), the flat band displacement averaged 30 nm larger than that of the other transducer, and no anti-resonance was noted. Therefore, we expect that the new transducer can serve as an output device for hearing aids, and that it will improve speech recognition and treat high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss more effectively.

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