Waveguide-based Cochlear Implant for Optogenetic Stimulation

Introduction

The optical cochlear implant (oCI) aims to restore near natural hearing in profoundly hearing impaired and deaf patients. Sound perception will be restored through an implantable medical device in combination with a gene therapy medicinal product. Thereby, the auditory nerve is stimulated directly through focused light, replacing the dysfunctional or absent hair cells. This is achieved through a combination of micro-scale light emitter technology and precise neural control through the expression of light-gated ion channels in the auditory nerve (called optogenetics).

Project Proposal

Here, we propose to prove the feasibility of optical waveguide modules for future optical cochlear implants. Building on fabricating micro-scaled waveguide arrays and multi-beam laser diode emitters, we plan to couple them via micro-lens arrays in a compact multi-channel optical module for testing the feasibility of miniaturization and integration of the optical components. Preclinical validation shall be performed in rodents.

Features of the Proposed Module

The proposed waveguide-based optical module combines several aspects, which makes it a candidate for later clinical application:

1. The optical emitters can be safely integrated into the hermetically sealed titanium package housing the internal oCI electronics.
2. There is no need to directly insert the emitters in the cochlear turns, which mitigates the risk of heat impact on the patient during optical stimulation.
3. Emerging red light activated opsins can be addressed by readily available red laser diode technology.