Interfacing Perforated Eardrums with Graphene‐Based Membranes for Broadband Hearing Recovery

Abstract

Eardrum perforation and associated hearing loss is a global health problem.Grafting perforated eardrum with autologous tissues in clinic can restore low-frequency hearing but often leaves poor recovery of high-frequency hearing. In this study, the potential of incorporating a thin multilayered graphene membrane (MGM) into the eardrum for broadband hearing recovery in rats is examined. The MGM shows good biocompatibility and biostability to promote the growth of eardrum cells in a regulated manner with little sign of tissue rejection and inflammatory response. After three weeks of implantation, the MGM is found to be encapsulated by a thin layer of newly grown tissue on both sides without a significant folded overgrowth that is often seen in natural healing. The perforation is well sealed, and broadband hearing recovery (1-32 kHz) is enabled and maintained for at least 2 months. Mechanical simulations show that the high elastic modulus of MGM and thin thickness of the reconstructed eardrum play a critical role in the recovery of high-frequency hearing. This work demonstrates the promise of the use of MGM as a functional graft for perforated eardrum to recover hearing in the broadband frequency region and suggests a new acoustics-related medical application for graphene-related 2D materials.

Comparison of healing of acute total tympanic membrane perforation between rats with and without excision of the mallear handle

“…This notion is supported by previous findings that indicated an integral role for radial collagen fibers in the improvement of highfrequency hearing. 14,20,21 In addition, for the hearing being lower in the HEEs, this could simply be because of poorer transmission of sound because the mechanical advantage of the ossicular chain has been altered. Therefore, anyway, the malleus handle should be preserved as much as possible in clinic.…”

Applications of Graphene in Five Senses, Nervous System, and Artificial Muscles

“…(f) The encapsulation of graphene by eardrum tissues. Reprinted with permission from ref . Copyright 2022 Wiley-VCH.…”

“…The grafting of the eardrum provides the possibility of hearing restoration. Graphene serves as a sewing material for compensating the perforated eardrum . Yin et al investigated the implantation of graphene membranes into the eardrums of mice for broadband hearing restoration .…”

“…Graphene serves as a sewing material for compensating the perforated eardrum. 217 Yin et al investigated the implantation of graphene membranes into the eardrums of mice for broadband hearing restoration. 217 Graphene membranes can be first sewn in perforated eardrum tissues, and then the graphene was wrapped by the nascent tissues (Figure 5).…”

“…217 Yin et al investigated the implantation of graphene membranes into the eardrums of mice for broadband hearing restoration. 217 Graphene membranes can be first sewn in perforated eardrum tissues, and then the graphene was wrapped by the nascent tissues (Figure 5). Here, graphene promotes the growth of tympanic membrane cells without immune rejection and has good biocompatibility and stability.…”