Scientists at Michigan University in America have created a synthetic cochlea which they say could one day replace the microphone and many electronic components currently used in cochlear implants. The device was originally developed as a way of detecting sound waves under water and could potentially capture a range of frequencies well beyond the range of normal human hearing.

Made of Pyrex glass and silicon, the device has no moving parts and so is incredibly efficient. Its 3cm length is comparable to the unwound size of the human cochlea and because it can be mass produced manufacturing costs would be relatively low.

The tiny mechanical cochlea is not ready for use as an implant but could one day become a key part of cochlear implant technology.

Go to the University of Michigan site for more information.