Modeling of the Organ of Corti Stimulated by Cochlear Implant Electrodes and Electrodes Potential Definition Based on their Part inside the Cochlear

Description

Cochlear implants are used by deaf people to recover partial hearing. The electrode array inserted inside the cochlea is anextensive area of research. The aim of the electrodes array is to directly stimulate the nerve fibers inside the Organ of Corti. The electrical model of the physical system consisting of Organ of Corti and the electrodes is presented in this paper. This model allowed to run SPICE simulations in order to theoretically detect the minimal voltage sufficient for nerve fiber stimulation as well as the impact of the electrode voltage on the duration of nerve fibers stimulation.Besides, to ensure functional sound perception, the electrode potential should depend on their position inside the cochlea. A afferent nerve fiber repartition map over the cochlea position, considering the frequency sensitivity of the different parts of the ear was created. This projection allowed to propose a theoretical electrodes potential correction based on their cochlea position.

Abstract

International audience

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