Simulation Software Enables Accurate Placement of Electrode Arrays in Cochlear Implants

Cochlear implants have been used successfully to provide auditory information for bilaterally profoundly deaf patients. This is achieved by electrically stimulating auditory nerve fibers via an electrode array, which is surgically implanted into the scala tympani of the cochlea (inner ear). It is important that the electrode array does not cause damage to the fine intra-cochlear structures during insertion, as this can result in the loss of spiral ganglion cells, which are necessary for the implant to evoke auditory percepts.