Scientists: a new type of ear bioprosthesis is already in development

06/30/2016

Scientists from the University of Technology in Queensland, Australia are conducting innovative research in prosthetics and three-dimensional printing. They plan to create an artificial prosthesis, with the patient's biological cells to restore the organ of hearing.

Developments are underway for little Maya Van Mulligan, suffering from auricle microtia. Currently, the girl recognizes sounds using an external hearing aid.

At the first stage, it is planned to create a synthetic skeleton for creating a new ear cartilage. Next, scientists will add to the design of biological cells taken from the girl. This way you can get an ear that looks like the present. After this work, the new ear will be combined with the hearing aid and implanted into the child. A full-fledged prosthesis will significantly improve the position of Maya, both in appearance and in the ability to hear.

The development has a promising direction, since quite a large number of children suffer from microtia. Today, such work is very expensive. The university received 125 thousand dollars for research and creation of a bioprosthesis from the state and non-commercial organizations.

Scientists believe that after a while each hospital will have a 3D printer, and thanks to the technology being developed, it will be possible to create ear bioprostheses. With government support, the cost of a new ear can be as affordable as buying a pair of glasses.

Valeria Sokolova, news editor