WEBVTT

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At our institute, some 65 scientists and employees explore the basics of hearing

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as well as diagnosis and treatment options for hearing disorders.

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We develop middle ear implants

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– hearing aids that acoustically stimulate the middle ear or the cochlea

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using laser interferometric procedures (laser doppler velocimetry)

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that measure the velocities of tiny vibrations in middle

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or inner ear structures with high resolution and at high frequencies.

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We use these technologies to develop and optimize ear implants.

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Our work is not just applied in surgery,

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it improves surgical procedures themselves,

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and is the basis for the development of new products

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or the improvement of existing implants.

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I work with an electroencephalograph (EEG)

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that utilizes electrodes to graphically depict the electrical activity of the brain.

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By means of cochlea, auditory brainstem, or midbrain implants,

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we examine factors that have an impact on the improvement of hearing.

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To gain a comprehensive overview, we also deploy other research methods like our facility’s soundproofed room

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in which we simulate different hearing environments and examine directional hearing.

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What’s fascinating about our work is the opportunity

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to guide the profoundly hearing impaired back into an auditory world.

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It’s incredible how plastic mechanisms can help the brain adapt to a new hearing sensation.

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We work on a project called “Robojig”.

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Our aim is to develop innovative surgical techniques for cochlear implants:

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Minimally invasive access to the inner ear with a standardized workflow for surgeons,

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supported by appropriate assistance systems.

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We’re currently testing the “Robojig” system’s accuracy

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in the realistic environment of our experimental operating room -

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our goal is to transport it into clinical application.

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The advantage is enhanced safety for patients.

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It also shortens the surgical process.

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No longer dependent on the few existing CI centers,

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we can make the procedure widely available.

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My personal highlight is the interdisciplinary cooperation of engineers - like myself – and physicians.

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It’s thrilling to be part of Hanover’s research elite.

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Every hearing scientist’s dream is an ear that – with a little help – can regenerate on its own.

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Although that is still a long way off, we’re already trying to expand the boundaries of hearing,

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opening up prospects for new diagnostic and treatment methods.

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But in all these endeavors we must never lose our focus on the hearing impaired patient.