A system for partial ossicular replacement with controllable stapedial engaging function is described; a respective process of manufacturing a partial ossicular replacement prosthesis with controllable stapedial engaging function and a partial ossicular replacement prosthesis are further described; the system comprises: a partial ossicular replacement prosthesis comprising a stapedial part and a tympanic part, an applicator device comprising a handpiece, an essentially planar static face, an elongated essentially cylindrically shaped plunger; the process comprises: providing a preform of at least stapedial part, forming a plurality of elongated cuts, shaping a centrical portion, shaping a distal portion; the partial ossicular replacement prosthesis comprises a stapedial part and a tympanic part.

An improved implantable auditory stimulation system includes two or more implanted microphones for transcutaneous detection of acoustic signals. Each of the implanted microphones provides an output signal. The microphone output signals may be combinatively utilized by an implanted processor to generate a signal for driving an implanted auditory stimulation device. The implanted microphones may be located at offset subcutaneous locations and/or may be provided with different design sensitivities, wherein combinative processing of the microphone output signals may yield an improved drive signal. In one embodiment, the microphone signal may be processed for beamforming and/or directionality purposes.

There is provided a hearing assistance system, comprising an audio streaming device, a first hearing device for stimulating a first ear of a user, and a second hearing device for stimulating a second ear of the user, the audio streaming device comprising an audio input interface for receiving an input stereo audio signal, a unit for analyzing the input stereo audio signal in order to determine at least one azimuthal localization cue by comparing the two channels of the stereo signal, a unit for processing the input stereo audio signal in order to produce an output stereo audio signal, and a unit for supplying one channel of the output stereo audio signal to the first hearing device and for supplying the other channel of the output stereo audio signal to the second hearing device.

Provided herein are biocompatible scaffolds engineered to convey growth stimulatory light to cells and augment their growth on the scaffolds both in vitro and in vivo. Also provide are methods of modifying biocompatible transparent waveguides to control delivery of light from the waveguide material.

Ear implants for auricular tissue reconstruction in a patient are provided. The ear implant may be a tissue scaffold multicomponent assembly for reconstruction of auricular tissue. Thus, the assembly may include both a first and a second tissue scaffold component. Each comprises a biocompatible polymeric material having a plurality of open pores configured to support cell growth. The first tissue scaffold component defines a central void region and at least a portion of an outer ear framework of the patient after implantation. The second tissue scaffold component defines a base portion. After implantation into the patient, the second tissue scaffold component seats within the central void region of the first tissue scaffold component, so that the second tissue scaffold component is secured to the first tissue scaffold component. Methods for reconstructing auricular tissue in a patient using such ear implant tissue scaffolds are also provided.

This application relates to a stent inserted in an eustachian tube for treatment of eustachian tube dysfunction. In one aspect, the stent includes a pressure controller which blocks the eustachian tube and is opened/closed according to a pressure difference between front and rear portions thereof to control a pressure in the eustachian tube. The stent may also include a eustachian tube expansion portion which is connected to the pressure controller and has a hollow portion passed therein to make a fluid move in back and forth directions of the eustachian tube, and is inserted in the eustachian tube to expand the eustachian tube by transforming a shape thereof in a radial direction of the eustachian tube.

Disclosed are a biological tissue matrix material, a preparation method therefor and the use thereof in an otological repair material. The biological tissue matrix material comprises an extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix comprises a collagen fiber, a growth factor and fibronectin. The biological tissue matrix material has a low amount of DNA residue, a low immunogenicity, a high anti-infection ability, and a strong repair capability.

Described herein are devices and methods for applying a tension force to various tissues. The devices may be delivered in minimally invasive fashion and used to manipulate tissues in the nose, ear, and throat. Force may be maintained by the devices for a time period that allows shaping, compression, or approximation of tissues.

A device having a structured coating for adhering to rough, in particular, biological surfaces, includes a carrier layer, wherein a plurality of protrusions is arranged on the carrier layer, which protrusions each comprise at least one stem having an end face pointing away from the surface, and wherein a further layer is arranged at least on the end face, wherein the layer has a lower modulus of elasticity and is in the form of a film that interconnects the protrusions. The film can also be in the form of a removable film.

A device having a structured coating for adhering to rough, in particular biological, surfaces, includes a carrier layer, wherein a plurality of protrusions is arranged on the carrier layer, which protrusions each comprise at least a shaft having an end face pointing away from the surface, and wherein a further layer is arranged at least on the end face, wherein the layer has a different modulus of elasticity than the protrusion in question. The further layer can also fill the intermediate spaces between the protrusions such that an internal structured coating is produced.