Invented 3D printed eardrum implant device

Perforation of the eardrum leads to pain and hearing loss. This is also a difficult condition to treat.

Recently, scientists at Harvard University (USA) have invented a tool to support people with perforated eardrums.

Specifically, PhonoGraft is a 3D printed implant . The device can repair damage in the eardrum by encouraging natural cells to regrow. Currently, PhonoGraft has been put into commercial production.

The device can help the eardrum fully restore hearing.

The eardrum is a thin membrane separating the outer and middle ear, elliptical, semi-transparent and slightly concave, composed of tissue similar to skin. The eardrum is about 9mm high, about 8mm wide and about 0.1mm thick.

The eardrum vibrates in response to sound waves and converts it into an electrical signal that the brain can interpret. However, the eardrum is not able to do that if it is punctured by a foreign object such as a cotton tip, or is injured by too much noise. Even in that condition, viruses as well as bacteria can get into the ear and cause a serious infection.

Currently, the best treatment method is otooplasty . This method repairs the perforation using the patient's own graft. However, the method cannot help the eardrum function as it should. In addition, this procedure requires an incision behind the ear and can often fail.

PhonoGraft is designed to solve those problems. The implant mimics the complex shape of a natural eardrum. The device is made of synthetic polymer based ink for 3D printing.

The implant itself not only works to restore hearing, but also helps the recipient's cells regenerate. Tests in squirrel squirrels, whose ear anatomy and hearing range are similar to humans, have proven promising.

Aaron Remenschneider, the project's researcher, said: 'Three months after the optimized implant in the ear of the squirrel squirrel, we had a truly amazing moment.

According to this researcher, hearing tests showed that the ability to conduct sound was completely restored. Another advantage is that the PhonoGraft can be delivered through the ear canal, making the process less invasive.

To bring the device to market, the Wyss Institute at Harvard University founded a startup called Beacon Bio. The company was recently acquired by Desktop Health - a step towards getting the device ready for market. The team is working to obtain FDA approval. Thanks to that, bringing PhonoGraft to patients.