A study of researchers at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Wake Forest highlights a new approach to address conductive hearing loss. A team of scientists, directed by Mohammad J. Moghimi, Ph.D., Assistant Biomedical Engineering professor, designed a new type of hearing aid that not only improves hearing, but also offers a safe and non -invasive alternative to implantable devices and corrective surgeries.
The study recently published in Communications EngineeringA nature portfolio diary.
The conductive hearing loss, which occurs more commonly in childhood, occurs when the sounds do not reach the internal ear. Sound waves are blocked in the outer or medium ear due to ear infections, blockages or structural abnormalities.
“The treatment for conductive loss can include corrective surgeries and implantable headphones, which can be very invasive, especially for pediatric patients,” Moghimi said. “Flexible headphones offer a non -invasive alternative.”
To produce vibrations strong enough to reach the cochlea, the part of the internal ear responsible for the hearing, the research team designed a flexible hearing aid. The device uses microepidermal actuators to create skin vibrations behind the ear, which then travel directly to the inner ear, avoiding the auditory channel.
For the study, 10 participants between the ages of 19 and 39 wore caps for the ears and earmuffs to simulate the conductive hearing loss. Then, the researchers tested actuators matrices to improve vibration force, improve the quality of sounds and control the direction of vibrations.
“We discovered that using a matrix of these actuators, instead of one, significantly improves the strength and quality of vibrations, leading to better auditory results,” said Moghimi.
Moghimi also pointed out that improving hearing in children can reduce delays in language development and speech and increase educational development.
“This technology has the potential to improve the quality of life of children with auditory disabilities and transform the way we approach pediatric headphones,” Moghimi said.
The research team will focus on a broader study to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of the device in children and adults.