Dear List,
Extant passive cochlear implant electrodes could detect action potentials originating in the efferent Medial Olivocochlear (MOC) fibers. In healthy ears the efferent MOC modulates cochlear functioning; when the MOC is damaged, speech comprehension drops - especially in noise.
I have in mind a proof-of-concept experiment to demonstrate that MOC action potentials can be harnessed to control a hearing rehabilitation device in the contralateral ear - to deliver speech comprehension in noise that is superior to that of current digital devices. A senior researcher of a Cochlear Implant manufacturer is willing to provide the necessary interface and cooperation to a principle investigator who would accompany the experiment through the IRB to completion.
Apart from the significant clinical benefit, monitoring of such a device would have relevance for researchers interested in auditory and cognitive plasticity, attention, closed-auditory-loop, signal processing strategies & etc.
I am now searching for a researcher willing to undertake the project as principle investigator - using myself as a subject.
For a full presentation, including the experiment proposal, see cincard.wordpress.com.
If this project interests you please do contact me and/or distribute this to anyone who might be interested.
Thanks,
Jonathan Sivan