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An improved system approach towards future cochlear implants | IEEE Conference Publication | IEEE Xplore

An improved system approach towards future cochlear implants


Abstract:

Cochlear implants (CIs) have been used for many years to restore hearing for deaf patients. Unfortunately, today's CIs are still bulky devices and uncomfortable to wear. ...Show More

Abstract:

Cochlear implants (CIs) have been used for many years to restore hearing for deaf patients. Unfortunately, today's CIs are still bulky devices and uncomfortable to wear. In this paper we present three innovations that ultimately should pave the way to a fully implantable bionic ear. First a microfabrication process used to fabricate the polymer metal microelectrode array for auditory nerve stimulation is discussed. Subsequently, a compact biphasic programmable stimulator chip to be used along with this electrode array is presented. By using a double loop feedback circuit topology, the circuit provides a precise stimulation current while requiring only little voltage headroom. The resulting low power consumption and reduced chip area allow for integration of the electronic circuitry onto the electrode array. Finally, as reliability and data transmission rate are two of the most critical issues in CI devices, we propose a software method to improve both data rate and reliability of transmitting digital data from the external part of the CI to the internal part with negligible power consumption.
Date of Conference: 03-07 July 2013
Date Added to IEEE Xplore: 26 September 2013
Electronic ISBN:978-1-4577-0216-7

ISSN Information:

PubMed ID: 24110898
Conference Location: Osaka, Japan

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References

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