Acelerometer-based MEM implants could replace hearing aids

MEM technologies have shown significant improvement in microphone and sound amplification. Now, University of Utah researchers are implementing MEM-based microphones to improve and miniaturize hearing aids for those with hearing difficulties. Using a commercial SOI-MEM fabrication process, the researchers created both middle-ear and implantable cochlear hearing aids. The sensor is roughly 1 mm by 1 mm in size, and is attached to a microchip built on a flexible substrate with a total area of 2.5 mm by 6.2 mm and a weight of 25 mg. They demonstrate the result of the implants on cadavers, but the devices are not yet ready for live human trials. Microphone sensitivity is not yet sufficient for normal conversational speech, and researchers say that more advanced fabrication technology is necessary.