Objective: We present the "UmboMic," a prototype piezoelectric cantilever microphone designed for future use with totally-implantable cochlear implants. Methods: The UmboMic sensor is made from polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) because of its low Young's modulus and biocompatibility. The sensor is designed to fit in the middle ear and measure the motion of the underside of the eardrum at the umbo. To maximize its performance, we developed a low noise charge amplifier in tandem with the UmboMic sensor. This paper presents the performance of the UmboMic sensor and amplifier in fresh cadaveric human temporal bones. Results: When tested in human temporal bones, the UmboMic apparatus achieves an equivalent input noise of 32.3 dB SPL over the frequency range 100 Hz to 7 kHz, good linearity, and a flat frequency response to within 10 dB from about 100 Hz to 6 kHz. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the feasibility of a PVDF-based microphone when paired with a low-noise amplifier. The reported UmboMic apparatus is comparable in performance to a conventional hearing aid microphone. Significance: The proof-of-concept UmboMic apparatus is a promising step towards creating a totally-implantable cochlear implant. A completely internal system would enhance the quality of life of cochlear implant users.

翻译：目的：我们提出了一种名为“UmboMic”的压电悬臂梁麦克风原型，旨在未来用于全植入式人工耳蜗。方法：UmboMic传感器采用聚偏二氟乙烯（PVDF）制成，因其低杨氏模量和生物相容性。该传感器设计用于中耳，通过测量鼓膜脐部内侧的运动。为最大化其性能，我们开发了一种与UmboMic传感器协同工作的低噪声电荷放大器。本文展示了UmboMic传感器及放大器在新鲜人体颞骨标本中的性能表现。结果：在人体颞骨测试中，UmboMic装置在100 Hz至7 kHz频率范围内实现了等效输入噪声32.3 dB SPL，具有良好的线性度，且在约100 Hz至6 kHz范围内频率响应平坦度优于10 dB。结论：这些结果证明了PVDF基麦克风与低噪声放大器结合使用的可行性。所报告的UmboMic装置性能与传统助听器麦克风相当。意义：概念验证性UmboMic装置是迈向全植入式人工耳蜗的重要一步。全内置系统将提升人工耳蜗使用者的生活质量。