Cochlear Implants

Cochlear implants help those who have sensorineural hearing loss hear again. However, the process of implantation destroys all residual hearing since the implant is pushed into the cochlea, so only those with profound or severe hearing loss are candidates for implantation. In order to change this, we developed a hydroassisted method in which a viscous fluid (hyaluronic acid, tradename Healon) "carries" the implant into the cochlea, thereby preventing damage.

Method 1

Inject mock silicone implant into cochlea via round window with hyaluronic acid.

CI1 CI2

Histological Studies

CI3 CI4

Results

Despite no damage to cochlear structure, there was a profound increase in compound action potential thresholds when measured before and after implantation. It was therefore hypothesized that a pulling of hyaluronic acid through the cochlea would be gentler and be less likely to cause damage.

Method 2

Gently pull mock implant into cochlea through round window, using fluid flow created by hyaluronic acid.

Histological Studies


Left gerbil cochlea, 180um implant.

Again:

Results

Presence of air bubbles and other factors seem to result in hearing loss. A new device is being fashioned in order to prevent air bubbles and provide steady flow of HA through the cochlea.

Sushrut Kale, Post-Doc
Mailing Wu, Columbia BME Alumna and Lab Technician
Vanessa Cervantes, Columbia 4th year Medical Student
Dominic Pisano, Tufts 4th year Medical Student
Project started by Nakul Sheth, Bronx Science High School Student