Hearing Hope: A Smart Sensor for Enhanced Safety and Precision in Hearing Restoration Procedures

Principle Investigator:
Prof. TAM Haw Yaw, Chair Professor of Photonics, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Associate Director of Photonics Research Institute (PRI)

This medical device is designed to enhance surgical navigation and reduce trauma during cochlear implantation procedures. It integrates an optical fiber sensor directly into the cochlear implant’s electrode array, which must be precisely inserted into the scala tympani. The optical fiber incorporates sensors to guide the electrode array and monitor contact force during implantation. Additionally, the device can be adapted with an active actuation function by modifying the optical fiber sensor, enabling real-time adjustments to the electrode array’s bending angle to further minimize tissue damage.

The invention addresses two critical challenges: ensuring contact forces with the cochlear wall remain below thresholds that cause trauma and optimizing insertion depth for clinical efficacy. 

Beyond cochlear implantation, this solution is adaptable to other medical applications, offering a versatile approach to improving safety, precision, and effectiveness in delicate surgical procedures. By integrating real-time navigation with responsive actuation, this innovation establishes a new benchmark for advanced robotic-assisted medical device placement in modern surgical practice.