# Development of an AMF Orion/Blackrock HD-USEA based 60/128 channel implantable wireless simulator system for human auditory nerve implants

> **NIH NIH R44** · BLACKROCK MICROSYSTEMS · 2022 · $728,152

## Abstract

Abstract
The development of implantable high channel electronics interfacing with the central and
peripheral nervous system has been a continuing effort for decades covering a wide range of
applications. Reliable and clinically proven high channel solutions with hermetic encapsulation of
the electronics that would be suitable for the use in a Cochlear or auditory nerve have so far not
been demonstrated.
The project aims to develop and translate a novel clinical high (60-128) channel implantable
programmable stimulator (IPS) for use in Cochlear (CI) and auditory nerve (ANI) implants to
expand the useable parameter space (electrode count, tonal range, lower stimulation threshold)
far beyond current limits. In this project we will evaluate performance, biocompatibility and safety
of a new chronically implantable can and programmable stimulator with high channel feedthrough
and assembly for the use in a high channel cochlear and auditory nerve implant that uses the
high-density Utah Slant Electrode Array (HD-USEA). The HD-USEA is used as penetrating
auditory nerve electrode in a new type of intracranial auditory prosthesis that targets the auditory
nerve en route to the brainstem in order to substantially improve hearing performance over the
current standard of care, the cochlear implant (CI) (NIH 1UG3NS107688-01). Clinical feasibility
and value in human subjects will be demonstrated in a new high channel auditory prosthesis being
developed for use in human subjects under an existing UG3/UH3 grant. The current approach is
however limited in the ability to use the potentially far higher electrode channel count and
subsequent tonal range and resolution due to the limited channel count (12) of the conventional
(MED-EL Synchrony) CI stimulator. While this approach is a strength of the UG3/UH3 project that
combines existing clinically proven products into one new system as the fastest and lowest risk
path towards first in human demonstration, it falls short in using the unique capabilities of the HD-
USEA architecture or other higher channel CI electrodes.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10470963
- **Project number:** 5R44DC018757-03
- **Recipient organization:** BLACKROCK MICROSYSTEMS
- **Principal Investigator:** Robert Jay Greenberg
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $728,152
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-06-01 → 2024-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10470963

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10470963, Development of an AMF Orion/Blackrock HD-USEA based 60/128 channel implantable wireless simulator system for human auditory nerve implants (5R44DC018757-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10470963. Licensed CC0.

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