This proposal seeks to develop and demonstrate a new microtechnology that can be used as the front end to an implantable bionic ear. The technology is based on the miniaturization of an array of polymer resonators that can mechanically filter many audio frequency channels, thereby mimicking the function of the human cochlea. The proposal will develop a 16 electrode device and test its performance for suitability in implant applications.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DC007714-02
Application #
7098043
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-IFCN-G (10))
Program Officer
Miller, Roger
Project Start
2005-08-01
Project End
2007-07-31
Budget Start
2006-08-01
Budget End
2007-07-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$223,374
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Irvine
Department
Engineering (All Types)
Type
Schools of Engineering
DUNS #
046705849
City
Irvine
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92697
Chua, Tiffany Elise H; Bachman, Mark; Zeng, Fan-Gang (2011) Intensity coding in electric hearing: effects of electrode configurations and stimulation waveforms. Ear Hear 32:679-89