Middle Ear Transducer Fixation for Growth Accommodation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with conductive hearing loss often do not benefit from conventional hearing aids due to chronic inflammation, malformed or absent outer ear structures, and other anatomical issues, for which existing hearing prostheses are not suitable.
Innovation Solution
An implantable middle ear transducer fixation mechanism is developed, allowing for partial placement outside the middle ear cavity and secure fixation within the cavity, enabling effective sound transduction through mechanical force application to the ossicular chain or cochlea, compatible with growing children.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a middle ear transducer is completely implanted within the middle ear cavity, then the device is stable and protected, but it cannot accommodate skull growth in children requiring additional surgeries
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer system is divided into two separate components: a fixation mechanism implanted within the middle ear cavity that remains stationary, and a transducer component that is partially positioned outside the cavity. This segmentation allows the fixation mechanism to provide stable anchoring while the external portion accommodates skull growth without requiring repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation mechanism acts as an intermediary structure that bridges the middle ear cavity and the external environment. It provides a stable attachment point within the cavity while extending outward to support the transducer, thereby mediating between the need for internal stability and external adaptability to growth.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a transducer is placed partially outside the middle ear cavity, then growth accommodation is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation mechanism and transducer are merged into a single integrated assembly that can be implanted as one unit. The fixation mechanism includes integrated components such as a holder and positioning features that simplify the overall device structure while enabling the partial external placement necessary for growth accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: anchoring the transducer within the middle ear cavity, providing structural support for the external portion, and accommodating future growth without requiring additional components or procedures. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity despite the unusual partial placement configuration.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional hearing aids are used for conductive hearing loss, then they are simple and non-invasive, but they fail in individuals with chronic inflammation or malformed ear structures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the acoustic mechanical system of conventional hearing aids with an implantable transducer system that converts acoustic energy to mechanical vibrations directly applied to the ossicular chain or cochlea. This substitution eliminates the need for external acoustic pathways, making the solution effective for individuals with malformed or inflamed ear structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable transducer acts as an intermediary device that bypasses the problematic external and middle ear structures. By implanting the transducer directly and coupling it to the ossicular chain or cochlea, the system mediates sound transmission without relying on the compromised external ear canal or eardrum.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a viable hearing solution for individuals with conductive hearing loss by effectively transducing sound energy, maintaining stability and functionality as the recipient's skull grows, without the need for repositioning or additional surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
a middle ear transducer, wherein the middle ear transducer is incompatible with complete placement in a middle ear... transducing first energy indicative of sound via the middle ear transducer
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable apparatus, including an implantable transducer fixation mechanism, the fixation mechanism being configured to receive an implantable transducer, wherein the fixation mechanism is configured to be fixed to a wall of the middle ear cavity of the recipient, and the fixation mechanism is configured to locate the transducer at least partially outside the middle ear cavity.