Electrically Evoked Auditory Brainstem Response by Using Bionic Auditory Membrane in Guinea Pigs

Abstract

Here, we report the measurement of an eABR (electrically evoked auditory brainstem response) by using a custom-developed BAM (bionic auditory membrane) for a novel artificial cochlear system. The BAM is an acoustic sensor designed as a trapezoidal and flexible membrane made of a piezoelectric material to convert acoustic waves to electrical signals with frequency selectivity. The signal from the BAM was used as an electrical source to stimulate the auditory nerves in a cochlea. The stimulating characteristics were investigated by measuring the eABR in guinea pigs. The results showed that the developed system could realize the perception of peak sound pressure levels and frequency of the acoustic wave. Consequently, we accumulated fundamental knowledge for developing a fully implantable artificial cochlea based on the BAM.