First (allegedly) successful transplant of 3D-printed inner ear

[andreasmaaan]

“The first patient to receive the transplant was a 35-year-old man who suffered hearing loss as a result of a car accident that damaged his inner ear... Using 3D technology, [the surgeon] was able to recreate the bones—the hammer, anvil, stirrup, and the ossicles that make up the inner ear, thus replacing the damaged ones.”

Article here.

 

[PierreV]

but, but... it is only titanium, not golden ears yet.

 

[tmtomh]

Wow - this is amazing. The inner ear components are incredibly small and delicate. My mother had to have two stapedectomies, and while both were successful, they were not able to restore her upper range of hearing fully. If high-res 3D printing can improve on that, it will be a gift to many people.

P.S. Love the name of the hospital.

 

[Soniclife]

Amazing stuff, will be interesting to find out how good the hearing pre and post surgery is.

 

[Tks]

Better get ready folks, time to place all current articles in a "Legacy" section of the forum, and break out the 192kHz content. Bionic ears, here we come!