New method for accessing the inner ear using tiny needles
Official title: Endoscopy-assisted intracochlear access via ultrasharp-microneedles
Funded at Haystack Medical, INC. · NIH-10699330 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new, gentle way to reach the inner ear using tiny needles to help doctors better diagnose and treat hearing loss and balance issues, especially for older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Haystack Medical, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scarsdale, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $350,033 |
| NIH project number | 1R41DC021128-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10699330 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing hearing loss or balance issues, particularly those aged 65 and older.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with hearing loss or balance disorders caused by factors unrelated to the inner ear may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel technology that allows safe and direct access to the inner ear for diagnostic purposes. By using ultrasharp microneedles, the team aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss and balance disorders, which affect a significant portion of the aging population. The approach involves endoscopy-assisted techniques to minimize trauma and enhance precision in accessing the cochlea. The research team has extensive experience in this field, having authored numerous articles and filed multiple patents related to this technology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment options for patients suffering from hearing loss and balance disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach is innovative, similar techniques in accessing inner ear structures have shown promise in preliminary studies, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Haystack Medical, INC.
Scarsdale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aksit, Aykut — Haystack Medical, INC.
- Study coordinator: Aksit, Aykut
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Safe microneedle access to the inner ear for sampling and drug delivery
A new needle-based method aims to safely reach the cochlea in adults to sample ear fluid or deliver medicines directly where they’re needed.
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.