Turtles have unique ears
These ears inspired a new concept in otologic surgery for the treatment of deafness

Stapediosaccular strands can be fashioned of biomaterials to allow improved hearing function in humans.
Strands attach the saccule with the middle ear bone, the stapes in turtles to boost low frequency hearing

Bionic strands can be fashioned to provide a similar hearing boost in humans

Stapediosaccular strand shape

Inner ear of marine turtle C. mydas from the Wever collection (Smithsonian)

Stapedial Saccular Strut

Purpose: provide direct coupling to the auditory receptors in the saccule and stimulate acceleration receptors in the audio range

Advantages:
  1. Functional and compatible with cochlear implants
  2. Can be performed bilaterally with little risk
  3. Reversible
  4. Physician friendly..related to other ear procedures
  5. Will benefit those who are not cochlear implant candidates i.e. those with ossified cochleae in which the vestibule is normal or near normal

Otosurgery
If the saccule is connected to the middle ear bone in humans (stapes), then displacement of the eardrum will stimulate both the cochlea and the saccule as it does in turtles. The placement of a bio-compatible stapediosaccular strut could allow individuals with severe cochlear deafness additional receptors to serve as a bridge for later implants.

in development

Page Content and Design : Dr Martin L. Lenhardt
WebMaster: Alan G. Madsen
Last update: Sunday, January 27, 2002