Creating a tool to improve cochlear implant surgery and preserve hearing
Official title: Development of a Micro-Mechanical Insertion Tool with Intraoperative Real-Time Electrophysiological Sensing Control for Cochlear Implantation
Funded at Iotamotion, INC. · NIH-10236529 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iotamotion, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Vadnais Heights, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $955,563 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DC017640-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10236529 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are candidates for cochlear implantation and wish to preserve their residual hearing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already undergone cochlear implantation or those who do not have residual hearing may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: Other research has shown success with similar approaches in improving surgical techniques and outcomes in cochlear implantation.
Where this research is happening
-
Iotamotion, INC.
Vadnais Heights, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nikou, Constantinos — Iotamotion, INC.
- Study coordinator: Nikou, Constantinos
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Creating a tool to improve cochlear implant insertion accuracy
This study is testing a new robotic tool that helps doctors place cochlear implants more carefully, aiming to improve hearing for people with severe hearing loss while protecting the inner ear during surgery.
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.