The effect of an actuator and its coupling conditions on round window-stimulated middle ear implants: a numerical analysis

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Journal of Vibration and Shock ›› 2017, Vol. 36 ›› Issue (4) : 12-20.

XU Dan1, LIU Houguang1, TIAN Jiabin2, RAO Zhushi2, CHENG Gang1, YANG Jianhua1

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Abstract

Consisting of the actuator and a coupling layer, a finite element (FE) model of the human ear was used to analyze the effect of the actuator and its coupling conditions on the performance of round window-stimulated (RW-S) middle ear implants (MEIs). The model, based on the right ear of a healthy adult, was built via micro-computer tomography imaging and the technique of reverse engineering. The validity of the model was verified by comparing the model simulated results with experimental data. The influence of the constant pretension of the round window, two main design parameters of the actuator and two aspects of the coupling layer were investigated by the FE model. The results show that: the larger cross-section of the actuator, the worse effect on the implant performance of the RW-S MEI; the introduction of coupling layer between the actuator and RW could effectively improve the implant performance of RW stimulation; however, the degree of this improvement would be reduced with the increase of the thickness and the Young’s modulus of the coupling layer in the research scope; the actuator’s stimulated performance at high frequencies will be deteriorated with the increase of the actuator’s mass; the constant pretension applied to the round window is beneficial for sound transmission to the cochlear at middle-high frequency range.

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middle ear implants / round window / actuator / coupling layer / finite element analysis

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XU Dan1, LIU Houguang1, TIAN Jiabin2, RAO Zhushi2, CHENG Gang1, YANG Jianhua1. The effect of an actuator and its coupling conditions on round window-stimulated middle ear implants: a numerical analysis[J]. Journal of Vibration and Shock, 2017, 36(4): 12-20

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