On the interdependence of insertion forces, insertion speed, and lubrication: Aspects to consider when testing cochlear implant electrodes.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

During the insertion of cochlear implant (CI) electrode arrays, forces occur which may cause trauma and poorer hearing outcomes. Unfortunately, research groups investigating factors influencing insertion forces come to contradicting results, especially regarding insertion speed. This study was conducted to investigate the origin of these contradicting results and to determine how different testing conditions influence experimental findings.

Methods

Repeated, automated insertions with three different FLEX28 CI electrode arrays (MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria) were performed into a newly developed, anatomically correct and 3D-printed mean scala tympani phantom. The testing protocol for each electrode included variations in insertion speed (v = 0.1-2.0 mm/s) and lubricat

SUBMITTER: Frohlich M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10807833 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature