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G R Ball

Publications and source records attributed to G R Ball.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

Scanning laser Doppler vibrometry of the middle ear ossicles.

This paper describes measurements of the vibratory modes of the middle ear ossicles made with a scanning laser Doppler vibrometer. Previous studies of the middle ear ossicles with single-point laser Doppler measurements have raised questions regarding the vibrational modes of the ossicular chain. Single-point analysis methods do not have the ability to measure multiple points on the ossicles and, consequently, have limited ability to simultaneously record relative phase information at these points. Using a Polytec Model PSV-100, detailed measurements of the ossicular chain have been completed in the human temporal bone model. This model, when driven with a middle ear transducer, provides detailed three-dimensional data of the vibrational patterns of the middle ear ossicles. Implications for middle ear implantable devices are discussed.

Cadaver↗

Implantable hearing device performance measured by laser Doppler interferometry.

Recent application of the Doppler principle laser interferometry to audiology, acoustics and otology has facilitated the development of implantable hearing devices (IHDs). During the design and testing of two different electromagnetic middle ear implants for sensorineural hearing loss, we used single-point laser Doppler interferometry (LDI). A commercially available interferometer, internally calibrated and validated against a National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) standard, was used with both mechanical fixtures and fresh temporal bones to evaluate implant mass, shape and orientation, attachment, electromagnetic coupling and acoustic properties. At both Hough Ear Institute and Symphonix Devices, Inc., we have shown that high fidelity and amplitudes can be recorded in vitro over a frequency range of 500 Hz to 10 kHz. These data can provide greater assurance of safety and efficacy to regulatory agencies before entering clinical trials. We propose that LDI be considered as an international standard for accurate, consistent comparison of performances of all IHDs during development. Furthermore, the future availability of human IHD data will allow for the extrapolation of a mechanical bench model of the middle ear transfer function for use in quality control during manufacturing and diagnosis of failure in IHDs.

Cochlear Implants↗