Effects of Microstructured and Anti-Inflammatory-Coated Cochlear Implant Electrodes on Fibrous Tissue Growth and Neuronal Survival.

Cochlear implants are well established devices for treating severe hearing loss. However, due to the trauma caused by the insertion of the electrode and the subsequent formation of connective tissue, their clinical effectiveness varies. The aim of the current study was to achieve a long-term reduction in connective tissue growth and impedance by combining surface patterns on the electrode array with a poly-L-lactide coating containing 20% diclofenac.

Refinement of systemic guinea pig deafening in hearing research: Sensorineural hearing loss induced by co-administration of kanamycin and furosemide via the leg veins.

Auditory disabilities have a large impact on the human population worldwide. Research into understanding and treating hearing disabilities has increased significantly in recent years. One of the most relevant animal species in this context is the guinea pig, which has to be deafened to study several of the hearing pathologies and develop novel therapies.

Dual Drug Delivery in Cochlear Implants: In Vivo Study of Dexamethasone Combined with Diclofenac or Immunophilin Inhibitor MM284 in Guinea Pigs.

Cochlear implants are well established to treat severe hearing impairments. Despite many different approaches to reduce the formation of connective tissue after electrode insertion and to keep electrical impedances low, results are not yet satisfying. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to combine the incorporation of 5% dexamethasone in the silicone body of the electrode array with an additional polymeric coating releasing diclofenac or the immunophilin inhibitor MM284, some anti-inflammatory substances not yet tested in the inner ear.