3D mesh generation to solve the electrical volume conduction problem in the implanted inner ear

Abstract

Cochlear implants are used to restore hearing in the profoundly deaf [Th.J. Balkany, Otolaryngol. Clin. North. Am. 19 (2) (1986) 215–449] by direct electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve. To study the working mechanism of cochlear implants and to provide a tool to develop better ones, a Boundary Element electrical volume conduction model of the cochlea (the auditory part of the inner ear) has been constructed. In this paper first a short comparison of the available numerical methods is given, then an algorithm is presented with which different cochlear geometries can be constructed and fitted with different types of cochlear implants. With the resulting model the potential distributions induced by the implant can be calculated, and a prediction of the effect of the implant can be made. The use of the meshing algorithm is not restricted to cochlear implants, but is also applicable in other fields.