Cochlear Implants

Overview

Cochlear implants are devices used to give hearing to the deaf. A receiver on the exterior of the skull collects sound and passes electric impulses to the implant, which generates electric impulse that stimulate nerve cells in the inner ear. This project uses improved computer simulation and visualization methods to develop cochlear implants that are more effective and geared to the needs of the specific patient. Visualization was first used to discover bugs and anomalies in data sets; later, it helped determine how the positioning of the cochlear implant probe affects the resulting electric field, and thus affects the outcome for the patient–how well they will be able to hear.

Project team

  • David Borland
  • Eric Knisley

Partners

  • Dr. Charles Finley, UNC School of Medicine
  • Mark Reed, UNC Research Computing

Links

Cochlear Implant Studies
The Science of Sound