Creating a new type of cochlear implant using tiny magnetic coils
Official title: Development of a Micro-coil Based Cochlear Implant
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11061330 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new type of cochlear implant that uses tiny coils to help people hear better, especially in noisy environments and when enjoying music, making it easier for users to understand speech and enjoy sounds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $522,057 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC019916-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061330 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who are considering cochlear implantation or are current cochlear implant users seeking improved performance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild hearing loss or those who do not qualify for cochlear implants may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a next-generation cochlear implant that utilizes tiny, implantable microcoils for magnetic stimulation. Current cochlear implants struggle with background noise and music appreciation due to limitations in their design, which affects speech discrimination. By using microcoils, the research aims to achieve more independent spectral channels for better auditory signal processing, potentially improving the listening experience for users. The study investigates how these microcoils can provide more precise stimulation to the auditory system, overcoming the challenges faced by traditional electrode-based implants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the ability of cochlear implant users to understand speech in noisy environments and enjoy music.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of microcoils in cochlear implants is a novel approach, similar research in other areas of auditory stimulation has shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fried, Shelley — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Fried, Shelley
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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.