At our institute, some 65 scientists and employees explore the basics of hearing
as well as diagnosis and treatment options for hearing disorders.
We develop middle ear implants
– hearing aids that acoustically stimulate the middle ear or the cochlea
using laser interferometric procedures (laser doppler velocimetry)
that measure the velocities of tiny vibrations in middle
or inner ear structures with high resolution and at high frequencies.
We use these technologies to develop and optimize ear implants.
Our work is not just applied in surgery,
it improves surgical procedures themselves,
and is the basis for the development of new products
or the improvement of existing implants.
I work with an electroencephalograph (EEG)
that utilizes electrodes to graphically depict the electrical activity of the brain.
By means of cochlea, auditory brainstem, or midbrain implants,
we examine factors that have an impact on the improvement of hearing.
To gain a comprehensive overview, we also deploy other research methods like our facility’s soundproofed room
in which we simulate different hearing environments and examine directional hearing.
What’s fascinating about our work is the opportunity
to guide the profoundly hearing impaired back into an auditory world.
It’s incredible how plastic mechanisms can help the brain adapt to a new hearing sensation.
We work on a project called “Robojig”.
Our aim is to develop innovative surgical techniques for cochlear implants:
Minimally invasive access to the inner ear with a standardized workflow for surgeons,
supported by appropriate assistance systems.
We’re currently testing the “Robojig” system’s accuracy
in the realistic environment of our experimental operating room -
our goal is to transport it into clinical application.
The advantage is enhanced safety for patients.
It also shortens the surgical process.
No longer dependent on the few existing CI centers,
we can make the procedure widely available.
My personal highlight is the interdisciplinary cooperation of engineers - like myself – and physicians.
It’s thrilling to be part of Hanover’s research elite.
Every hearing scientist’s dream is an ear that – with a little help – can regenerate on its own.
Although that is still a long way off, we’re already trying to expand the boundaries of hearing,
opening up prospects for new diagnostic and treatment methods.
But in all these endeavors we must never lose our focus on the hearing impaired patient.