Journal article
Decreasing the physical gap in the neural-electrode interface and related concepts to improve cochlear implant performance
Frontiers in neuroscience, Vol.18, 1425226
07/24/2024
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1425226
PMCID: PMC11303154
PMID: 39114486
Abstract
Cochlear implants (CI) represent incredible devices that restore hearing perception for those with moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss. However, the ability of a CI to restore complex auditory function is limited by the number of perceptually independent spectral channels provided. A major contributor to this limitation is the physical gap between the CI electrodes and the target spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). In order for CI electrodes to stimulate SGNs more precisely, and thus better approximate natural hearing, new methodologies need to be developed to decrease this gap, (i.e., transitioning CIs from a far-field to near-field device). In this review, strategies aimed at improving the neural-electrode interface are discussed in terms of the magnitude of impact they could have and the work needed to implement them. Ongoing research suggests current clinical efforts to limit the CI-related immune response holds great potential for improving device performance. This could eradicate the dense, fibrous capsule surrounding the electrode and enhance preservation of natural cochlear architecture, including SGNs. In the long term, however, optimized future devices will likely need to induce and guide the outgrowth of the peripheral process of SGNs to be in closer proximity to the CI electrode in order to better approximate natural hearing. This research is in its infancy; it remains to be seen which strategies (surface patterning, small molecule release, hydrogel coating, etc.) will be enable this approach. Additionally, these efforts aimed at optimizing CI function will likely translate to other neural prostheses, which face similar issues.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Decreasing the physical gap in the neural-electrode interface and related concepts to improve cochlear implant performance
- Creators
- Joseph T. VecchiAlexander D. ClaussenMarlan R. Hansen
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Frontiers in neuroscience, Vol.18, 1425226
- Publisher
- FRONTIERS MEDIA SA
- DOI
- 10.3389/fnins.2024.1425226
- PMID
- 39114486
- PMCID
- PMC11303154
- ISSN
- 1662-453X
- eISSN
- 1662-453X
- Grant note
- NIH: R01-DC012578, R01-DC018488, F31-DC020371, T32-GM007337
he author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This work was supported by grants from the NIH: R01-DC012578 (to MH), R01-DC018488 (to MH), F31-DC020371 (to JV), and T32-GM007337 (in support of JV) as well as an American Otological Society Clinician Scientist Award (to AC).
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 07/24/2024
- Academic Unit
- Communication Sciences and Disorders; Molecular Physiology and Biophysics; Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Neurosurgery; Otolaryngology
- Record Identifier
- 9984687783802771
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