Future of Hearing: Flexible, Non-Invasive Hearing Aid

A new, non-invasive hearing aid designed to improve hearing and provide an alternative to implants and surgeries has been developed to address conductive hearing loss. This innovative approach was detailed in a study recently published in Communications Engineering, a journal from the Nature Portfolio (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Array of micro-epidermal actuators for noninvasive pediatric flexible conductive hearing aids

Go to source). Conductive hearing loss, most commonly occurring in childhood, happens when sound waves are blocked from reaching the inner ear due to issues in the outer or middle ear, such as infections, blockages, or structural abnormalities. The research was led by Mohammad J. Moghimi, Ph.D., assistant professor of biomedical engineering, at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

“Treatment for conductive hearing loss can include corrective surgeries and implantable hearing aids, which can be very invasive, especially for pediatric patients,” Moghimi said. “Flexible hearing aids offer a noninvasive alternative.”

Using Micro-Epidermal Actuators for Sound Transmission

To generate vibrations strong enough to reach the cochlea, the part of the inner ear responsible for hearing, the research team created a flexible hearing aid. This device uses micro-epidermal actuators to produce vibrations on the skin behind the ear, allowing the sound to bypass the ear canal and directly reach the inner ear.

In the study, 10 participants aged 19 to 39 wore earplugs and earmuffs to simulate conductive hearing loss. The researchers then tested different actuator arrays to increase the vibration strength, improve sound quality, and control the direction of the vibrations.

Array of Actuators for Better Hearing Performance

“We found that using an array of these actuators, rather than a single one, significantly enhances the strength and quality of the vibrations, leading to better hearing outcomes,” Moghimi said.

Moghimi also emphasized that enhancing hearing in children can help prevent delays in language and speech development, as well as support their educational progress.

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“This technology has the potential to improve the quality of life for children with hearing impairments and transform the way we approach pediatric hearing aids,” Moghimi said.

The research team plans to conduct a larger study next to further assess the device's efficacy and safety in both children and adults.

Reference:

1. Array of micro-epidermal actuators for noninvasive pediatric flexible conductive hearing aids - (https://www.nature.com/articles/s44172-025-00369-7)

Source-Medindia