Effect of magnet position in an electromagnetic transducer for the middle ear implant

The paper is devoted to modelling and numerical analysis of the middle ear with an implantable middle ear hearing device. The main focus is put on electromechanical coupling between the biomechanical subsystem of the middle ear and the electrical subsystem of the implant. The electromechanical coupling describes the interaction between the electrical and mechanical systems, and it is defined as a nonlinear dependence between magnet position and coil transducer centre. This is a novel approach, one that generates new resonances, instabilities, subharmonic as well as chaotic stapes vibrations depending on the voltage excitation. Numerical results of the stapes motion stimulated by a floating mass transducer are compared with the results of experiments performed on the human temporal bones. Findings of this study can be used in practice to develop a better design of a floating mass transducer.

Automated summary

The paper focuses on modelling and analyzing the middle ear with an implantable hearing device. It specifically examines the electromechanical coupling between the biomechanical subsystem of the middle ear and the electrical subsystem of the implant, which generates new resonances, instabilities, subharmonic, and chaotic vibrations. Numerical results are compared with experimental findings on human temporal bones to improve the design of the implant.