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Title: Battery-Free Device Acts as Artificial Cochlea

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Title: Battery-Free Device Acts as Artificial Cochlea

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A battery-free hearing device is currently being researched at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China. This device could aide in hearing loss without having external power sources, such as batteries. This would prevent the need for recharging or battery purchase. It will also be less bulky and uncomfortable to wear. As someone who has to wear hearing aides daily I was pleasantly surprised to find this information. According to the article, "Chinese researchers have developed a self-powered piezo-triboelectric device that may pave the way for the artificial cochlea of the future." (Hastings, 2021) The technology being used has created a "material so that it had a sponge-like consistency, allowing the nanoparticles to jostle about when sound waves struck the material, resulting in an electric charge." (Hastings, 2021) The development is still in the testing stage, where it is being tested with music. It will still be some time before it is ready for distribution.

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Author: Conn Hasting

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Researchers at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China created a battery-free device that could pave the way for an artificial cochlea to aid with hearing loss. The cochlea, a component of the inner ear, converts sound waves into electrical impulses, and the new device performs a similar function. The device consists of barium titanate nanoparticles within a conductive polymer to form a piezo-triboelectric material that generates an electrical signal when moved and jostled by sound waves.

For many people who are hearing impaired, the issue may lie in damage to the tiny hairs in the cochlea that help to convert sound waves to an electrical signal that the brain can recognize and interpret. This damage is typically irreversible and a device that can be inserted or implanted into the ear may be the best option to restore hearing. This situation has inspired researchers to attempt to develop an artificial cochlea, but currently such devices require an external power source, such as a battery, meaning that they may be bulky or require replacement.

To address this, these Chinese researchers have developed a self-powered piezo-triboelectric device that may pave the way for the artificial cochleas of the future. The technology consists of barium titanate nanoparticles coated with silicon dioxide, which the researchers mixed into a conductive polymer. They then processed the material so that it had a sponge-like consistency, allowing the nanoparticles to jostle about when sound waves struck the material, resulting in an electrical charge.

The idea is that as sound waves strike the device in the ear, it will generate a corresponding electrical charge that can be interpreted by the brain. To make the implant as useful as possible, the researchers designed it so that it could produce a maximum electrical signal at 170 hertz, which is within the range of an adult's voice.

So far, the team tested the device within a model ear by playing a piece of music and then converting the corresponding electrical signal generated by the device into a new music file. They report that the piece of music was recognizable when playing the new music file, suggesting that the device was accurately converting the sounds to an electrical signal.

It will take further development before the technology is good enough to be used as an artificial cochlea, but the way forward is a little clearer.

Study in ACS Nano: Acoustic Core-Shell Resonance Harvester for Application of Artificial Cochlea Based on the Piezo-Triboelectric Effect

Via: American Chemical Society

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Battery-Free Device Acts as Artificial Cochlea

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Researchers at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China created a battery-free device that could pave the way for an artificial cochlea to aid with hearing loss. The cochlea, a component of the inner ear, converts sound waves into electrical impulses, and the new device performs a similar function.

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As someone who has suffered hearing loss from a young age this excites me. I currently wear hearing aides daily, not only are they uncomfortable, they also require frequent charging. I have tried the hearing aides that use batteries and I would often find myself somewhere unable to hear because I didn't have access to batteries. This device may also eliminate the need for surgically implanted devices. I am hopeful for further testing and development for distribution to the public.

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Not as bulky as normal hearing aides.
No need for recharging.
No need for batteries.
Possible elimination for need of surgically implanted devices.
Produced to have a maximum electrical signal which is in range of an adult's voice.

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Still in the research phase.
Probability of high cost.
Possible need to troubleshoot if it stops working vs replacing a battery.

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Top 5 Strengths and how they benefit a team.

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Top 5 Strengths and how they benefit a team.

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1. Harmony- I rely on collective intelligence and wisdom of team members and experts to guide me without confrontation. I am open to many points of view.
2. Deliberative- I am reserved and stay focused on the tasks at hand. I am not easily influenced by outside factors.
3. Consistency- I am good at completing tasks and remaining detailed and systematic to produce outcomes that are free of mistakes.
4. Adaptability- I am flexible to any outside factors and I work well under pressure.
5. Maximizer- I am driven by excellence.

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My chosen team built on personal strengths would include:
Abraham - Arrangers are highly organized, yet flexible multi-taskers. They can coordinate and facilitate decision making. I thrive on organization, so he seems like an obvious choice.
Carter - Communication excels at self expression and allowing others to freely express themselves. This is an area where I struggle, so I feel it would he would be beneficial to the team.
Faith - Futuristic people challenge me. I sometimes can't see the bigger picture or the end goal. I feel like she would open my eyes, and keep everyone driven toward the common goal.
Isaac - Ideation can provide fresh perspective and new ideas.
Izzy - Input would work hand in hand with ideation to help collect information and streamline the task at hand.