Last updated: 2020-03-01
Requirements
The requirements necessary for replacement hearing functionality involve the following high-level elements.
Sound Wave Reception
Status: Viable
Organic Model: multi-stage, mechanical translation of air pressure changes to hair cells immersed in a fluid.
Engineered Models: a wide variety of well understood microphones, of varying quality and sensitivity.
Neural Translation
Status: Viable
Organic Model: inner ear hair cells directly stimulate the auditory nerve.
Engineered Models: electrode arrays directly stimulate the auditory nerve.
Neural Transmission
Status: Research Phase
Organic Model: the auditory nerve directly connects the ear to the brain.
Engineered Models: there are no existing engineered replacements for the auditory nerve at this time.
Available Devices
Cochlear Implants
There are myriad devices available from several different companies, globally. These devices allow one to hear without the use of the components of the organic ear. Quality of current devices are adequate, but still substandard versus the organic ear.
