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Piezoelectric-Based, Self-Sustaining Artificial Cochlea

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2013, Master of Science in Engineering (MSEgr), Wright State University, Electrical Engineering.
Hearing loss is a prevalent issue, affecting all ages in innumerable occupations. Cochlear implants are one solution to sensorineural hearing complications; and though they are commonly used, the electronic devices have limitations in power consumption and external equipment. Piezoelectric films emulate the relationship between the basilar membrane and inner hair cell structures of the human cochlear epithelium, inducing a potential difference in response to sound pressure. Through proper MEMS fabrication and material selection, an artificial cochlear can be developed utilizing piezoelectrics, which is self-sustainable and functions naturally with the mechanisms of the human ear. This research investigates the feasibility of piezoelectric films in achieving adequate voltage output and frequency selectivity to replace the human cochlea. Piezoelectric samples were manufactured for different resonant frequencies and subjected to air vibrations, after which the resulting voltage was recorded. Through both simulated and experimental data, the necessary 5-10mV to stimulate nerve bundles connected to the hearing centers of the brain was realized. The response spanned the human speech register of 500 to 8000 Hz.
Yan Zhuang, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Robert Goldenberg, M.D. (Committee Member)
Reiter Chad, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
67 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Evans, J. (2013). Piezoelectric-Based, Self-Sustaining Artificial Cochlea [Master's thesis, Wright State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1389196704

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Evans, Jared. Piezoelectric-Based, Self-Sustaining Artificial Cochlea. 2013. Wright State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1389196704.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Evans, Jared. "Piezoelectric-Based, Self-Sustaining Artificial Cochlea." Master's thesis, Wright State University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1389196704

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)