| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Octavian1
Joined: 20 Apr 2013
Posts: 10
|
 Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2013 12:27 pm Post subject: Tiny ear implant could spell the end for costly hearing aids |
 |
|
A new type of hearing aid is being developed in Germany that is said to offer improved performance at a lower price than current devices on the market.
At the heart of the device is an ultra small (1.2mm) electroacoustic transducer, which takes the form of a piezoelectric microactuator.
Placed directly at the connection between the middle and inner ear, this transmits acoustic signals to the inner ear in the form of amplified mechanical vibrations, thereby enhancing the hearing capacity of patients.
"The electroacoustic transducer works on the same principle as bending actuators," explained Dominik Kaltenbacher, an engineer from the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA in Stuttgart
"The bending elements, which are arranged in the shape of a pie, consist of a laminated composite made from piezoceramics and silicon. If voltage is applied, the elements bend upwards and generate a mechanical vibration. This spreads to the membrane of the round window and the inner ear, stimulating the auditory nerve."
Despite the implant's small size, Kaltenbacher says it can output volumes of up to 120dB. "This high performance is necessary for good speech comprehension, particularly for high pitched sounds," he noted.
The IPA team is currently testing a working prototype of the device. The first trials are planned for 2014.
_________________
cheap full coverage auto insurance |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
ephhansharding
Joined: 22 Apr 2013
Posts: 10
|
| Posted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 10:28 am Post subject: |
|
|
THE success of the first tolal middle ear implant performed here could mean the end of silence for sufferers of advanced hearing loss. ... hearing loss and total deafness had little choice but to use a conventional external hearing aid. ... Since the implant lasts for life, she said that "makes it cost -effective without question".
_________________
-----------
Ephhan Sharding
employee communications
digital signs |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
harveytom
Joined: 11 May 2013
Posts: 10
|
| Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 9:47 am Post subject: |
|
|
A new type of hearing aid is being developed in Germany that is said to offer improved performance at a lower price than current devices on the ...
_________________
-----------
Harvey Tom
life insurance
[url=http://www.lifeinsuranceadvisor.co.uk/over-50s-cover] |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Free Forum
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
