Creating a tool to improve cochlear implant surgery and preserve hearing

Development of a Micro-Mechanical Insertion Tool with Intraoperative Real-Time Electrophysiological Sensing Control for Cochlear Implantation

NIH-funded research Iotamotion, INC. · NIH-10236529

This study is testing a new tool to help surgeons place cochlear implants more safely and accurately, which could help protect your hearing and improve your quality of life.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIotamotion, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Vadnais Heights, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10236529 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a micro-mechanical insertion tool designed to assist surgeons during cochlear implant surgeries. The tool will allow for controlled and consistent insertion of cochlear electrodes while monitoring real-time electrophysiological signals from the cochlea. By using feedback from these signals, the system aims to minimize the risk of damage to the cochlea and preserve residual hearing, which is crucial for patient quality of life. The project has already shown promising results in initial studies and aims to enhance usability for surgical teams.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are candidates for cochlear implantation and wish to preserve their residual hearing.

Not a fit: Patients who have already undergone cochlear implantation or those who do not have residual hearing may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of hearing loss following cochlear implant surgery, leading to better outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success with similar approaches in improving surgical techniques and outcomes in cochlear implantation.

Where this research is happening

Vadnais Heights, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.