Lasers in the ear
Fascinating research on highly accurate and directional infrared laser radiation in future cochlear implants (which currently relies on inaccurate, non-directional electrical impulses). Can't imagine this idea being safe for prolonged use, but that is what they are currently working to find out. Human trials are still years away:
About 100,000 profoundly deaf people now hear with cochlear implants, which work by stimulating the auditory nerve with a string of electrodes implanted in the inner ear. While the devices enable many users to converse easily and use telephones, they still fall short of restoring normal hearing. Now scientists at Northwestern University are exploring whether laser-based implants could one day outperform today's electrical version.
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About 100,000 profoundly deaf people now hear with cochlear implants, which work by stimulating the auditory nerve with a string of electrodes implanted in the inner ear. While the devices enable many users to converse easily and use telephones, they still fall short of restoring normal hearing. Now scientists at Northwestern University are exploring whether laser-based implants could one day outperform today's electrical version.
Click for rest of story...