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[May 2002]
Novel Cochlear Implant
Cochlear implants are electronic devices that bypass damaged hair cells in
the inner ear. They electronically stimulate the hearing nerve and allow
profoundly deaf people to hear.NPL is currently developing such an implant using the latest nanoscale
science and technology to address important issues of 'patient
friendliness', clarity, cosmetic acceptability and cost; as well as trauma
reduction.The implant will be made of a piezoelectric material small and flexible
enough to be inserted into the cochlea. The aim is to create the world's
first fully implantable cochlear device, which will advance current sound
signal quality. The implant will be cheap to produce as it will use
semiconductor processing techniques.For more details, e-mail Markys Cain at: markys.cain@npl.co.uk
ENDS