#11, May 2006
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A ribbon-like cochlear implant developed at the University could improve hearing for profoundly deaf patients and simplify insertion to help surgeons minimize damage to healthy ear tissue.
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| (Photo courtesy Kensall Wise Lab) |
A team led by Kensall Wise, director of the NSF Engineering Research Center for Wireless Integrated Microsystems, made the implant using thin-film electrode sites that directly stimulate the auditory nerve.
The implant currently is being tested in guinea pigs and cats, says Wise, who has appointments in the departments of Biomedical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The device may be available in 4-5 years for use in humans and could be used in current cochlear patients to improve hearing. Additionally, the FDA approves implants for wider use as the technology improves.
Approximately 100,000 patients worldwide have received cochlear implants. The current technology, Wise says, is bulky, difficult for surgeons to insert and doesn't allow a great range of perceived frequencies. The implants use electrodes formed from a bundle of wires fed into the snail-shaped cochlea of the inner ear, but difficulties inserting such devices make it tough to achieve the depth needed to stimulate lower-frequency sounds, Wise says, and collisions with the cochlear wall can damage any residual hearing.
"The range of frequencies that can be stimulated depends on how far into the cochlea the implant can go, with the lower frequencies located further up toward the apex of the spiral canal," Wise says. In current technology, each implant has anywhere from 16-22 stimulating sites along its length. By contrast, the U-M implant will host up to 128 stimulating sites.
"More sites mean greater tonal range and better frequency perception," Wise says.
The ribbon film technology enables researchers to embed other functions in the implant, such as position sensors that allow surgeons to watch the implant's progress on a monitor as they're feeding it into the cochlea.
"Eventually the idea is to be able take the signals from the position sensors and use them to control actuators in an insertion tool, so that the electrode array can achieve deep insertion and navigate around any obstacles in its path," Wise says.
"The idea is to use a pneumatic insertion tool that can be inflated or deflated, similar to a spiral party favor, and is pre-stressed to hug the inner wall of the cochlea," Wise says. "The position sensors set the stage for doing that because they give you feedback on what's happening when you insert these devices."
Researchers make the implant with the same processes used to make integrated circuits, which means they can be made in batch.
The research, funded by the National Science Foundation, was presented Feb. 6 at the International Solid-State Circuits Conference in San Francisco. Doctoral student Pamela Bhatti presented the paper, which is co-authored by Wise and by research fellow Sangwoo Lee.
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Greetings from InSight Cinema
Captioning the Imagination of Audiences Nationwide
| City | Theatre | Movie | Dates Available |
| Atlanta | Regal Atlantic Station Stadium 16 | The DaVinci Code | 5/30/06-6/5/06 |
| Atlanta | Regal Atlantic Station Stadium 16 | X Men 3 | 6/6/06-6/12/06 |
| Buford | Regal Mall of Georgia Stadium 20 | The DaVinci Code | 5/30/06-6/5/06 |
| Buford | Regal Mall of Georgia Stadium 20 | X Men 3 | 6/6/06-6/12/06 |
| Chamblee | Regal Hollywood Stadium 24 | The DaVinci Code | 5/30/06-6/5/06 |
| Chamblee | Regal Hollywood Stadium 24 | X Men 3 | 6/6/06-6/12/06 |
| Columbus | Carmike 15 | United 93 | 6/4/06-6/5/06 |
| Macon | Regal Rivergate 14 | The DaVinci Code | 5/30/06-6/5/06 |
| Macon | Regal Rivergate 14 | X Men 3 | 6/6/06-6/12/06 |
Georgia Department of Labor
Rehabilitation Services
Vocational Rehabilitation Program
2720 Riverside Drive, STE 132 • P.O. Box 7566 • Macon, Georgia 31209-7566
(478) 751-6272 • Fax (478) 751-6446
Michael L. Thurmond
Commissioner
Announcement of Vacancy – February 2006
The position will remain open until filled
Job Title: Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf
Job Code: 14681
Pay Grade: 14
Beginning Salary: $2,622.84 per month
Location of Vacancy: Vocational Rehabilitation, Region 6 - Macon VR Unit
Duties & Responsibilities: Come join our team of Rehabilitation Professionals in historic, Macon, Georgia to assist people with disabilities to work. We are seeking an individual who is energetic, self-motivated, and who possesses the innate capability to foster the development of others and provide them with realistic support and guidance. Under limited supervision, the incumbent will evaluate, authorize and coordinate vocational counseling activities and services for a specialty caseload of deaf/deaf-blind clients whose preferred and/or required mode of communication is sign language. This individual will also determine appropriate means of communication based on the clients personal, social, and educational background, translate paperwork into signed language for clients, assist eligible clients in preparing for, obtaining, and/or maintaining employment, and counsel with employers concerning their special needs. Candidates should also possess the ability to cultivate and coordinate community and agency resources in advancement of this vocational goal and to ensure the provision of quality services to the deaf/deaf blind population. The individual selected to fill this position will handle a caseload that covers the 10-county area that makes up Region 6. Therefore, travel and use of your personal vehicle will be required.
Minimum Qualifications: Current certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) AND an "Intermediate" level proficiency standard rating based on the General Sign Communication Proficiency Interview (SCPI) OR Eligibility for Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) Certification which requires a Masters degree in Rehabilitation or Counseling related field (Counselor Education, School Guidance Counseling, Community Counseling, Psychology, etc.) AND an "Intermediate" level proficiency standard rating based on the General Sign Communication Proficiency Interview (SCPI) OR Interns who are within 12 weeks of graduation from a regionally accredited Masters Rehabilitation Counseling program AND an "Intermediate" level proficiency standard rating based on the General Sign Communication Proficiency Interview (SCPI).
Other Information needed: Interns will be required to show proof of graduation prior to beginning employment. All individuals must submit a transcript along with a State of Georgia Application for Employment, which verifies their eligibility for CRC Certification and a letter stating their Sign Communication Proficiency Interview (SCPI). Individuals will be required to produce certificate from CRC to verify certification. As a condition of employment, individuals who are not CRC certified will be required to obtain their certification at their own expense, within the time period established by CRC certification.
This position will be filled in the unclassified service.
Interested Individuals should mail completed State of Georgia Application for Employment, Transcripts and SCPI letter to:
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