Engineering principles applied to implantable otologic devices

The engineering principles of possible actuators and sensors for totally im plantable mid-ear or cochlear hearing devices are summarized. The selection considerations are discussed. The frequency response, and the needed force and displacement at the ossicular chain sites were measured on fresh tempo ral bones to determine approximately the middle ear device requirements and design considerations. A design example of the actuator and sensor is outl ined with laboratory and acute animal evaluation results.