Cochlea-Implantation: Evaluation of the dissolution of platinum-electrodes and development of stable electrodes-parameter for neural stimulation

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Martin Durisin; Professor Dr. Thomas Lenarz; Professor Dr.-Ing. Hans Jürgen Maier, since 11/2014
• Subject Area: Otolaryngology, Phoniatrics and Audiology
• Term: from 2013 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 240032230

For small percentage of cochlear implant recipients, the ability to hear decreases after an undefined period of time. This can be corrected by increasing the electrical current, flowing through the affected electrodes. The effect occurs in addition to the normal post-operative formation of connective tissue and could not be clearly identified as yet. With increasing current, the danger of electrolysis rises, which would mean dissolution of the electrodes. To date, the performed studies indicate to this phenomenon. The aim of the applied project is to investigate under which circumstances dissolution of the platinum electrodes occurs. The factors involved in the dissolution of the electrodes are to be identified and limited in order to obtain stable long-term stimulation parameters.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Professor Dr.-Ing. Friedrich-Wilhelm Bach, until 11/2014 (†)