Biomechatronic Systems

Unit 5: Hearing Aids and Implants

Mehdi Delrobaei
Spring 2024
How Hearing Works
How Hearing Works
 Sound and Sound Intensity

Sound Level Intensity

𝐼𝐼
𝐼𝐼𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 10 log ( )
𝐼𝐼0
I: W/m2
I0: threshold of hearing intensity
I0 = 10-12 W/m2
at 1 kHz

Source: Google Images

 Hearing Loss Causes
• Excessive noise exposure
• Blockage in the external ear canal can be caused by a buildup of wax, the insertion of a
foreign object, or the growth of a tumor
• Malformation of outer ear, ear canal, or middle ear structures
• Ear infection (fluid in the middle ear)
• Other causes: stroke, multiple sclerosis, meningitis, …

Source: hearingloss.org
Hearing Loss Diagnosis

Source: Google Images

Hearing Loss Diagnosis

Tympanometry

Electro-cochleo-graphy

Medical Imaging (MRI, CT Scan) Source: Google Images

Hearing Loss Treatment

Source: Introduction to Biomechatronics

Hearing Aids
Hearing Aids Features
Hearing Aids Features
Hearing Aids

Source: advancedhearingtechnologies.com
 Bone Conduction Devices

• Implantable Bone Conduction Devices

• Bone Anchored Hearing Apparatus (BAHA®)

Source: advancedhearingtechnologies.com
 Middle-Ear Implants
• Middle Ear Implant Hearing Device (MEIHD)
• BonebridgeTM Bone Conduction Implant
Middle-Ear Implants
Direct Acoustic Cochlear Implant
Cochlear Implants

Source: Wikipedia.org
Cochlear Implants

Source: The Design and Function of Cochlear Implants, By: M. F. Dorman and S. Wilson
Cochlear Implants

Source: royalsocietypublishing.org
Cochlear Implants

Source: The Design and Function of Cochlear Implants, By: M. F. Dorman and S. Wilson
 Brainstem Implants
• Auditory Brainstem Implants

Source: newswise.com