Dr. Jack Noble from Vanderbilt University will be presenting: Computer-Assistance Techniques for Cochlear Implant Interventions

Abstract: 

Cochlear implants (CIs) are neural prosthetics that induce the sensation of hearing bystimulating the auditory nerve using an array of electrodes implanted in the cochlea. While the traditional intervention has been remarkably successful, it leads to widely varying hearing outcomes. It has been suspected that outcomes are highly sensitive to the positioning of the CI electrodes in the cochlea. Dr. Noble has investigated this relationship using novel image analysis techniques he developed that permit measurement of the position of CI electrodes in patient CT images. Leveraging discoveries from these investigations, his current research aims to improve outcomes with CIs through the development of novel computer assistance systems for (1) comprehensive pre-operative surgery planning and intra-operative guidance to improve electrode positioning and (2) patient-customized selection of settings on the CI processor, which, as shown in ongoing clinical studies, can mitigate the negative effects of sub-optimal electrode positioning and significantly improve hearing outcomes. In this seminar, Dr. Noble will present solutions that have been developed, current results, and directions for future research.

Computer-assistance techniques for cochlear implant interventions