The University of Southampton

Author: Calypso Simonian

Technology and cochlear implants

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In the UK, 12 million people are affected by hearing loss. 80 million are over the age of 60. Over 900,000 people are severely or profoundly deaf, they are unable to hear any speech. During this module, lectures were given on cochlear implants. My interests on these grew so I decided to do some further research. Cochlear implants are used by 12,000 people in the UK.

How do they work?

A cochlear implant is an electronic device that helps with understanding speech and sensing sounds. There are 4 parts: a microphone, a speech processor, a transmitter and receiver-stimulator and an electrode array. The external speech processor captures sound and converts it into digital signals. The digital signals are sent to the internal receiver-stimulator. The signals are converted into electrical energy which is sent to the electrode array that’s inside the cochlea. The electrode array stimulates the auditory nerve by bypassing damaged hair cells. The auditory nerve transmits signals to the brain. These signals are recognised as sound.

Cochlear Implant

Image of CI

Who gets them?

Cochlear implants are given to those that are congenitally deaf, had an infection associated hearing loss such as measles, trauma associated hearing loss like a head injury, age associated hearing loss and people who do not benefit from hearing aids which can be confirmed by specialised hearing tests.

Benefits and challenges

Cochlear implants are given from 6 months old. This is beneficial for children as they are learning to speak and process language. People will be able to hear speech without reading lips including phone calls. They can hear everyday sounds like the noise made when there is a green man at the traffic light. This improves their safety. Cochlear implants help people develop their speech and pronunciation as they can hear their own voice, improving their communication.

There are a few risks, one is meningitis which can occur after implant surgery. This is prevented by vaccinations beforehand. Another, is the results vary depending on the person. Some people’s hearing significant improves while others don’t receive such satisfaction. Cochlear implants are not an instant fix, time is needed for the brain to get used to how they work.

Technology

Cochlear implants are becoming more advanced with technology. Sound processors can be waterproof meaning children and adults can enjoy swimming and even bathe without worrying about any damages. They can be paired with phones through Bluetooth. Sounds can be wirelessly streamed to the processor. An example is the Nucleus® 8 Sound processor which uses improved technology to sense changes in the environment and can adjust listening settings.

Nucleus® 8 Sound processor

Advanced bionics have a cochlear implant called the HiRes Ultra 3D cochlear implant. This device works with technology, making speech clearer and music with better quality sound.

My opinion

Overall, my thoughts on cochlear implants are that they are amazing as they can help deaf people have a better quality of life. I think that they are accessible in the UK due to the NHS and I was surprised to discover that in the US, they can cost between $50,000-100,000. I was appalled by this as many adults and families with children cannot afford such high prices so they won’t get the benefits of cochlear implants. I love that with technology, the external parts of cochlear implants are smaller so people can participate in sports easily. I’ve been to competitions where I saw children with sound processors and I was happy to see them get the same opportunities and experiences as everyone else. I’m excited to see how cochlear implants will further advance.

Prosthetic hands for children

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Prosthetic hands are used to support people that are missing their hands due to a congenital condition, an illness or from an injury. They can help with mobility, strength, and everyday tasks. Some children will wear a prosthetic hand throughout their life whereas other children may never wear one. Prosthetic hands encourage children to use both their hands which improves their brain and motor development. They also help with their appearance and self-confidence.

Development of the prosthetic hand

  In the late 15th century, France and Switzerland were making artificial hands. These were made from wood, glue, metal, and leather. In the 16th century, Götz Von Berlichingen wore 2 iron prosthetic hands due to losing his right arm from the war. The second hand was able to hold objects. In the 19th century, William Robert Grossmith created a left prosthetic arm from wood and aluminium.  In the 20th century, plastic was used for prostheses. Today, prosthetic hands are made from silicone, titanium, aluminium, and plastic.

Cosmetic devices

  For children under 18 months an ideal prosthetic hand is a passive prosthetic device which is a cosmetic device. These do not move by themselves; they are made from silicone and are lightweight. The earlier a child starts wearing a hand prosthesis, the more they become accustomed to it. The Greek Series, Infant 2 Hand, L’il E-Z Hand and Lite Touch Biomechanical hands are examples of prosthetic devices that can be used for children.

The Greek Series are suitable from 4 months to 3 years old. They have realistic hand features so they can be used to hold light objects such as small plastic toys.

The Infant 2 Hand can be used from 6-18 months. This hand can be used for pushing and pulling objects as the hand is a cup shape.

The L’il E-Z Hand is suitable from 6-24 months. This hand has a mechanical thumb which helps infants to grasp objects easily.

The Lite Touch Biomechanical hands are recommended from 2-9 years old. This hand has moulded fingers which can voluntarily open and close.

Myoelectric prosthesis for children

  Myoelectric prosthetics are suitable for older children, over 10 years old. These use more advance technology and can benefit children as it develops their muscle memory and helps them perform activities that involve 2 hands.

3D printing for prosthesis

  3D-printing technology can make prostheses more affordable for the public. It also reduces the manufacturing time which can take up to 6 weeks. Instead, a prosthetic limb can be created within a day. The aim is to make 3D printing more accessible so people can make their own hands. In 2011, Ivan Owen created the first prosthetic hand using 3D printing. These prostheses are made with plastic, carbon fibre, aluminium or titanium therefore making them lightweight.

Overall, prosthetic hands have developed significantly over the years. They are very important for both children and adults as they can positively impact their lives by developing their everyday skills. There is an amazing foundation called the Douglas Bader Foundation which works with charities in the UK involved in Project Limitless. Project Limitless aims to give all children (that need) a prosthetic arm. Over 300 children have already been provided with one.

Links

https://www.steepergroup.com/prosthetics/upper-limb-prosthetics/hands/trs-paediatric-hands/

https://www.yourkoalaa.com/projectlimitless