Publication
The design of a proximity sensor to be integrated into cochlea implants is described. The sensor allows the anticipation of contact between the cochlear implant and intracochlear structures, including the cochlear canal wall and basilar membrane, providing a feedback or an alarm to the surgeon performing the implant insertion such that trauma to the cochlea is avoided. This helps to preserve any residual hearing ability in patients who receive the surgical implant.
Stéphanie Lacour, Florent-Valéry Coen, Nicolas Vachicouras