New personalised design improves clarity and cuts distortion by over 17%
Researchers from Perm National Research Polytechnic University, together with leading medical institutions, have developed an advanced design for bone conduction hearing implants that significantly improves sound transmission and reduces distortion.
The innovation addresses a long-standing limitation in existing devices, which often rely on standardised metal fittings that fail to account for individual anatomical differences, as reported by the official website of the University. This can result in poor contact with the skull, leading to weakened or distorted sound reaching the inner ear.
The newly proposed design introduces a personalised approach to implant fixation, ensuring a more precise and stable connection. According to the research team, the improved design reduces signal distortion by more than 17 per cent compared with conventional solutions, enhancing overall sound clarity.
Hearing loss remains one of the most widespread sensory conditions globally, affecting hundreds of millions of people. While traditional hearing aids can support mild to moderate cases, patients with congenital conditions or severe damage often rely on bone conduction systems, which transmit sound vibrations directly through the skull.
However, the effectiveness of these systems depends heavily on how securely they are attached. Existing models typically use spherical metal connectors that create only a single-point contact with the implant. This limits vibration transfer and causes energy loss, resulting in reduced sound quality.
The new design replaces this approach with a flat contact surface, allowing the sound-transmitting component to connect fully with the implant. This ensures more efficient vibration transfer and minimises signal degradation.
An additional innovation is the integration of a polymer ring, which dampens unwanted vibrations and reduces mechanical noise. This component also improves durability by lowering friction between metal parts, helping extend the lifespan of the device.
The implant itself is made from titanium, a material widely used in medical applications for its ability to integrate with bone tissue over time. This creates a stable and long-lasting connection within the skull.
To further enhance personalisation, the researchers have developed specialised software that enables surgeons to design custom connectors based on each patient’s anatomy. By inputting parameters such as bone thickness and skull structure, the system generates a precise 3D model tailored to the individual.
Experimental testing has shown that the new system delivers improved sound transmission across all key frequency ranges, particularly those essential for speech recognition. This could lead to clearer and more natural hearing, even in complex acoustic environments, the source claims.
African Times published this article in partnership with International Media Network TV BRICS
