Hearing loss has a significant impact on one's life. It impacts your social connections, emotional well-being, and even your professional life. Individuals with hearing loss were widely assumed to have a variety of other disabilities until the 16th century, which resulted in them being highly discriminated against. This fact was not disproved until a Spanish monk named Pedro Ponce taught a nobleman's deaf sons how to read, write, speak, and do the math.
They're often undetectable to the people with whom you're interacting. That wasn't always the case, though!
Background
Those with hearing loss have been utilizing hollowed-out horns of animals like cows and rams as primitive hearing devices since the 13th century. The better-ear trumpet was not invented until the eighteenth century. Ear trumpets, which were funnel-shaped in design, were man's earliest attempt at designing a device to remedy hearing loss. However, they did not magnify sound; instead, they collected it and funneled it into the ear through a tiny tube. These bulky ear trumpets and the resulting speaking tubes didn't operate very well.
Alessandro Volta, a researcher, implanted metal rods in his own ears and connected them to a 50-volt circuit in about 1790. This is the first time electricity has been used to hear. Another attempt to excite the ear electrically was made around 1855. Other tests with electrical treatment for ear disorders were also conducted.
How Does Normal Hearing Work?
When sound enters the ear, it travels from the pinna (or auricle) into the ear canal and causes the eardrum (or tympanic membrane) to vibrate. The eardrum is placed before the middle ear, which amplifies the sound before delivering it to the inner ear.
The eardrum is connected to three tiny bones in the middle ear, which transmit vibrations to the fluid-filled region of the inner ear (called the cochlea). The vibrations create movement in the fluid-filled cochlea, which causes the inner ear's microscopic hairs to move. This triggers a chemical reaction that stimulates the hearing nerve, which then transmits the information to the brain, where it is recognized as sound.
First Hearing Implant
The Akouphone
In the nineteenth century, the first electrical hearing aids were introduced to the world. The telephone, which was invented in 1876, provided the required technology to manage sound loudness, frequency, and distortion. Using this technique, Miller Reese Hutchison of Alabama created the first electric hearing aid in 1898. Hutchison's concept employed a carbon transmitter to amplify weak audio signals using electric currents, which was a big breakthrough for hearing aids. His device was dubbed the "akouphone." The item cost US $400, which equates to US $13,236.67 in today’s time. It wasn't a solution that was easily transportable, however. Because the akouphone was so huge, it had to be placed on a table.
The Vactuphone (1920s to 1940s)
Earl C. Hanson, a navy engineer, developed a vacuum tube hearing aid in 1920. Sound amplification became much more efficient with this new type of hearing aid. Even people with severe forms of hearing loss may benefit from it. The vactuphone technology converted voice into electrical signals using a telephone transmitter. As the signals progressed to the receiver, they became more amplified. Despite the batteries being stored in a big compartment at the bottom of the box, the vactuphone was still quite enormous. It's light enough to fit in a small bag, weighing just over three kilogrammes. However, batteries were extremely costly in 1920. The vactuphone originally cost $135.00 and is now worth around $1,742.00. The vacuum tube hearing aid became more popular during the next two decades, and its size gradually shrank.
Transistor Hearing Aids (1950s)
The invention of transistors in 1948 resulted in significant advancements in hearing aid technology. Transistors could now take the role of vacuum tubes, which had the drawback of becoming rather hot. Because these aids used less battery power, they shrank in size as well. They'd soon resemble the hearing aids we have today in appearance. They can also be worn behind the ear or within. In 1951, mass production began in the United States. However, because the time to market was so short, transistor hearing heads were never thoroughly tested. A Texan business developed a silicon transistor that was more effective and stable than its predecessor in 1954. Transistors could get moist and cause the hearing aid to fail after only a few weeks, as was later discovered. The problem was rectified by adding an extra layer of coating. When Jack Kilby devised the integrated circuit, now known as the microchip, in 1958, the age of the transistor hearing aid came to an abrupt end. His invention would pave the way for today's hearing aid technology and completely change the business.
Digital Hearing Aids (1960s)
Hearing aids would get smaller and more powerful as the digital age progressed. From the 1960s forward, hybrid gadgets with analogue features became popular. Hearing aids became minicomputers only a decade later when the microprocessor was invented. Hearing aid technology would swiftly advance after that.
Former US President Ronald Reagan was photographed wearing his hearing aid in the office in 1983. Reagan claimed that the hearing aid assisted him in overcoming a problem with high-pitched sounds. According to the New York Times, his hearing loss supposedly began in the 1930s, when a pistol was shot quite close to his right ear. The president of the United States' public acknowledgment was a watershed moment for the hard of hearing community. It depicted a powerful international leader promoting hearing aid use. It would significantly eliminate the stigma attached to hearing aids. Digital hearing aids had never been seen before in the 1990s. Another US president quickly followed suit, publicly promoting the use of hearing aids and emphasizing the need for hearing examinations. As a music fan, Bill Clinton was well aware of the consequences of excessive volume listening. Long-term exposure, combined with natural decrease, necessitated the use of a hearing aid, which was practically imperceptible by 1997.
Digital technology swept the market with a vengeance. In the years that followed, personalization was at the forefront of technological breakthroughs. Hearing implants became fully customizable to different types of hearing loss in the 2000s. Hearing aid users can now tailor their devices to their specific needs and preferences. Many hearing aid users reported a significant improvement in their experience as a result of this. Bluetooth was first used in 2010, and you may now connect your hearing device directly to your television and smartphone if you so desire. Almost every aspect of your listening experience can now be personalized. The only limit appears to be the sky!
The Breakthrough
Researchers achieved a significant breakthrough when they discovered that electrical energy might be converted into sound before reaching the inner ear. Researchers discovered that applying a current near the ear could produce auditory sensations during the Depression years of the 1930s. The scientific community also gained a better understanding of how the cochlea functions.
The year 1957 brought the first stimulation of an acoustic nerve with an electrode by the scientists Djourno and Eyries. The participant whose nerve was activated was able to hear background noise in that experiment. In the 1960s, research accelerated dramatically. The electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve was still being studied. Researchers achieved a significant breakthrough when they discovered that particular auditory nerves must be activated by electrodes in the cochlea to replicate the sound.
In 1961, Dr. William House implanted three patients. All three discovered that the implants could help them in some way. An array of electrodes was put in cochleas a few years later, from 1964 to 1966, with good results. Researchers learned more about electrode placement and the effects of that placement.
From the 1970s to the 1990s, implant technology advanced tremendously. In the 1970s, more patients were implanted, research proceeded, and a multichannel device was developed.
In 1984, the cochlear implant was no longer considered experimental and received FDA approval for adult implantation. Other advancements in speech processors and other implant technology were developed throughout the 1990s, particularly the shrinking of the speech processor so that it could be put into a BTE hearing aid-like device.
Working of Hearing Implant
A hearing implant offers a sense of hearing by bypassing the damaged hair cells in the cochlea and directly activating the auditory nerves with electrical signals, rather than just making sounds louder (as with a traditional hearing aid). A hearing implant has two primary parts: an external element that hooks over the ear or is worn off the ear (on the head) and an internal part that is surgically inserted. A strong magnet is used to connect the two components. Hearing implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most important one for someone who has hearing loss is determined by the source and kind of hearing loss. Hearing implants are relevant in all circumstances when a person with hearing loss would not benefit fully from the sound amplification of hearing aids or is unable to wear hearing aids for some reason.
Hearing Implant Components
A digital hearing aid consists of several essential components that work together to amplify and process sound for individuals with hearing impairments. These components include:
Microphone: The microphone is responsible for picking up sounds from the environment. It converts acoustic signals into electrical signals that can be processed by the hearing aid.
Signal Processor: The digital signal processor (DSP) is the heart of the hearing aid. It processes the electrical signals from the microphone to enhance and adjust the sound based on the wearer's specific hearing needs. This processing can include noise reduction, feedback suppression, and frequency shaping.
Amplifier: The amplifier increases the strength of the processed electrical signals. It amplifies the sounds according to the wearer's hearing prescription, which is typically determined through a hearing test.
Receiver (Speaker): The receiver, also known as the speaker, converts the amplified electrical signals back into acoustic signals (sound) and delivers them into the wearer's ear canal.
Battery: Most digital hearing aids are powered by small, replaceable batteries. The type and size of the battery can vary depending on the hearing aid's design and features.
Volume Control: Some hearing aids have manual volume controls, allowing wearers to adjust the amplification level to their comfort or specific listening situations.
Program Button: Many digital hearing aids have a button or switch that allows users to switch between different hearing programs or settings. These programs can be optimized for various listening environments, such as quiet spaces or noisy gatherings.
Microphone Directionality: Some advanced digital hearing aids have directional microphones that can focus on sounds coming from a specific direction while reducing background noise from other directions.
Bluetooth and Wireless Connectivity: Modern digital hearing aids often come equipped with Bluetooth technology, enabling wireless connectivity to smartphones, TVs, and other devices for streaming audio and adjusting settings via a companion app.
Feedback Cancellation: Feedback cancellation systems help prevent the annoying whistling or feedback noise that can occur when the microphone picks up the amplified sound from the receiver.
Telecoil: A telecoil, or T-coil, is a component that allows hearing aids to pick up signals from hearing loop systems in public places, improving accessibility in venues like theaters and churches.
Wax Guards and Filters: These small components help protect the microphone and receiver from earwax and debris, which can affect performance.
Ear Mold or Dome: The ear mold is the part of the hearing aid that fits into the wearer's ear canal. It can be custom-made or come in various sizes and shapes to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
Wire and Tubing: These components transmit sound from the hearing aid to the ear mold or dome.
Patent Data Analysis
The consistent upward trend in patent filings within the digital hearing implant technology sector over the last decade reflects the increasing focus on innovation and advancement in this field. Several factors contribute to this surge. Firstly, the growing aging population worldwide has heightened the demand for effective hearing solutions, prompting increased research and development efforts. Additionally, advancements in digital signal processing, wireless connectivity, and miniaturization have enabled more sophisticated and user-friendly hearing implant technologies. This, in turn, has spurred competition among companies and researchers to secure intellectual property rights for their innovations, resulting in a steady rise in patent filings. Ultimately, this trend underscores the ongoing commitment to improving hearing healthcare and accessibility for those with hearing impairments.
Cochlear is a global hearing implant company that invests heavily in research and development (R&D). In 2022, Cochlear invested AUD$180 million in R&D, which is about 12% of its total revenue. This investment is focused on developing new technologies to improve the hearing outcomes of people with hearing loss. Cochlear's R&D investment is essential to its mission of providing people with hearing loss with the best possible hearing solutions. The company's commitment to innovation has helped to make cochlear implants one of the most successful medical devices in history.
Disadvantages of Hearing Implants
There are hazards associated with every surgical operation involving an implanted medical device. They include the following, according to the FDA:
• Facial nerve injury
• Infection
• Dizziness or tinnitus
• Numbness
• Taste Abnormalities
• Device infection
• Balance problems
What Does the Future Hold for Hearing Implants?
The future of hearing implants holds immense promise and potential, driven by ongoing technological advancements, growing demand, and a commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals with hearing impairments. Here are some key trends and developments to anticipate:
Miniaturization and Aesthetic Improvements: Hearing implant devices are likely to become smaller, more discreet, and aesthetically appealing, addressing concerns about visibility and comfort.
Advanced Signal Processing: Continued developments in digital signal processing will enhance sound quality and speech understanding for implant users, even in challenging listening environments.
Wireless Connectivity: Hearing implants will increasingly incorporate wireless technology, allowing seamless connectivity to smartphones, TVs, and other devices for streaming audio and fine-tuning settings.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI-driven algorithms will play a significant role in optimizing hearing implant performance, adapting to users' preferences, and improving real-time sound processing.
Biocompatible Materials: Innovations in biocompatible materials will lead to longer-lasting and more comfortable implants, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Hybrid Solutions: Combining cochlear implants with residual natural hearing (hybrid solutions) will become more common, offering improved sound perception and localization.
Regenerative Medicine: Ongoing research into regenerative medicine may lead to therapies that restore damaged inner ear structures, potentially reducing the need for implants in some cases.
Personalized Hearing Healthcare: Tailored treatment plans and implant settings based on an individual's unique hearing profile will become more prevalent, optimizing outcomes.
Accessibility and Affordability: Efforts to increase the accessibility and affordability of hearing implants will ensure that more people with hearing loss can benefit from these technologies.
Global Expansion: Hearing implant technology will continue to expand globally, reaching underserved populations in emerging markets, where hearing healthcare infrastructure is developing.
Telehealth: Remote programming, adjustments, and follow-up care through telehealth services will enhance convenience and accessibility for implant users.
Research Collaborations: Collaborations between industry leaders, academic institutions, and healthcare professionals will drive innovation and expedite breakthroughs in the field.
Overall, the future of hearing implants is marked by a commitment to improving user experience, enhancing accessibility, and harnessing cutting-edge technologies. These advancements will continue to empower individuals with hearing impairments to lead fulfilling lives and participate fully in their communities.
