Imagine a hearing aid that doesn't just amplify sound but uses tiny beams of light to talk directly to the brain's hearing nerve. By using light instead of electricity, it can target specific nerves much more accurately, like using a laser pointer instead of a floodlight. This helps people who are completely deaf experience sound that feels much more natural.
Traditional cochlear implants use electrical stimulation which lacks the precision to restore natural-sounding hearing. This creates a gap in the market for a high-fidelity hearing restoration solution for profoundly deaf patients.
A human prototype of an optical stimulator featuring a 64-emitter laser diode array, microlens arrays, and polymer waveguides in a titanium housing.
If you are a hearing implant manufacturer dealing with the limited sound quality of traditional electrical implants — this project developed a 64-channel optical stimulator that provides more precise neural control for near-natural hearing.
If you are a laser diode producer dealing with the challenge of miniaturizing high-density light sources for medical use — this project developed custom flip-chip laser arrays with 100 micrometer spacing for surgical implants.
If you are a component supplier dealing with the need for biocompatible, hermetically sealed optical interfaces — this project developed a titanium housing with a transparent sapphire window for long-term implantation.
Based on available project data, there is no information regarding the unit cost or market pricing of the implant.
The project involves 3 SMEs and focuses on upscaling optical stimulation channels using custom-designed elements, suggesting a move toward industrial feasibility.
Based on available project data, specific patent numbers or licensing terms are not listed, though it builds on previous ERC-funded research.
The project emphasizes regulatory compliance and is conducting preclinical studies to validate safety and biocompatibility before starting clinical trials.
The device is housed in a hermetically sealed titanium package designed to meet clinical and surgical requirements for implantation in the cochlea.
The consortium is heavily industry-weighted with a 60% industry ratio, comprising 3 SMEs, 1 university, and 1 research organization. This structure, spanning Germany, Finland, and France, indicates a strong push toward commercialization and manufacturing rather than pure academic research.
Contact the Universitaetmedizin Goettingen research office
Contact us to connect with the OptoWavePro consortium for licensing opportunities.
