College
College of Engineering and Polymer Science
Date of Last Revision
2025-04-26 12:08:16
Major
Biomedical Engineering
Honors Course
BMEN 491-001
Number of Credits
2
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2025
Abstract
Cochlear implant surgery is a delicate procedure performed by Otolaryngologists (ENTs) to implant an electronic device into the inner ear to provide a sense of sound for people who are profoundly deaf or hard of hearing. The current practices of training involve cadavers and 3D-printed models. Cadavers are commonly used but are expensive, single-use, and do not provide visual and haptic feedback, which are essential for medical students. 3D printed models are less commonly used and are hard to fabricate and not as realistic. If medical students are not properly trained for this delicate procedure, then risks are significantly increased to the patient. Risks include facial paralysis, device migration and/or failure, wound infection, damage to the cochlea, and many more. There is a significant unmet clinical need for an affordable, effective, and accessible training model for medical students to practice cochlear implant surgery. Technical barriers to developing a new training model include little coding experience with Python and GUI development, as well as limited material science knowledge to accurately replicate the textures of bone and ear tissues. A more realistic, cost-effective training model under $30 is urgently needed to ensure medical students gain the necessary skills and confidence to perform cochlear implant surgery safely and competently.
Research Sponsor
Dr. Justin Baker
First Reader
Kayla Dremann
Second Reader
Motaz Hassan
Honors Faculty Advisor
Dr. Hossein Tavana
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Recommended Citation
Powell, Sarah; Kraley, Kaelyn E.; and Smith, Nathan J., "Cochlear Electrode Insertion Training Model" (2025). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1946.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1946
Included in
Bioimaging and Biomedical Optics Commons, Biomechanical Engineering Commons, Biomedical Commons, Biomedical Devices and Instrumentation Commons, Mechanics of Materials Commons, Sense Organs Commons, Signal Processing Commons, Surgical Procedures, Operative Commons