An implantable microphone to enable fully internal cochlear implants
Advancement of an Implantable Microphone
This project improves a tiny implantable microphone that could let people with cochlear implants have fully internal, hidden hearing devices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11317161 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work refines a small microphone (the UMic) that senses motion inside the middle ear so it can be safely and reliably used in people. Engineers will do bench tests to improve durability and sound performance, finalize the fixation hardware, and test refinements in human cadaver ears. The device uses biocompatible materials and a custom low‑noise amplifier to match the sound quality of external microphones. These steps are meant to get the microphone ready for future human use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who are cochlear implant candidates or current cochlear implant users with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss would be the ideal future candidates for this technology.
Not a fit: People with normal hearing, purely conductive hearing loss not treated by cochlear implants, or conditions that preclude implant surgery are unlikely to benefit from this device.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, cochlear implant users could have fully implantable devices that are less visible, easier to use in daily life and water, and less prone to external noise or damage.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is fairly novel but earlier UMic prototypes matched external microphones in bench and cadaver tests, though fully implantable cochlear systems are not yet in routine clinical use.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nakajima, Hideko Heidi — Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
- Study coordinator: Nakajima, Hideko Heidi
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.