A multilayer piezoelectric actuator has been evaluated for use in a hearing implant. Its frequency response was flat up to 20 kHz. Initial in-vitro trials gave stapes displacement from stimulation at 3.5 V RMS, which is equivalent to that from acoustic stimulation at 90 dB SPL below 1 kHz, increasing to 120 dB at 8 kHz. This performance meets accepted clinical specifications.
References
-
-
1)
-
M.S.M.G. Vlaming ,
L. Feenstra
.
Studies on the mechanics of the normal human middle ear.
Clin. Otolaryngol.
,
353 -
363
-
2)
-
Abel, E.W., Mills, R.P., Lord, R.M.: `Methodology for laser vibrometer studies of stapes footplate displacement', Second Int. Symp. Middle-Ear Mechanics in Research and Otosurgery, October 1999, Boston, to be published.
-
3)
-
H. Leysieffer ,
J.W. Baumann ,
G. Muller ,
H.P. Zenner
.
An implantable piezoelectric hearing aid transducer for sensorineuralhearing loss.
HNO
,
792 -
815
http://iet.metastore.ingenta.com/content/journals/10.1049/el_20000426
Related content
content/journals/10.1049/el_20000426
pub_keyword,iet_inspecKeyword,pub_concept
6
6