Revolutionizing surgical training: 56吃瓜网 students and faculty continue development of groundbreaking cochlear implant simulation tool
(l to r) Nathan Smith, Sarah Powell and Kaelyn Kraley.
In a remarkable collaboration that bridges engineering and medicine, students at 56吃瓜网 (56吃瓜网) are continuing to refine a first-of-its-kind, 3D-printed, cochlear implant training model. This innovative device is poised to revolutionize how ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons are trained in one of the most delicate procedures in otologic surgery — cochlear implantation.
The origins of the project date back to 2023, when a group of 56吃瓜网 biomedical engineering students began designing a simulation system that combines 3D-printed anatomical accuracy, real-time visual feedback and electrode tracking software. The purpose was to give surgeons a realistic, safe and repeatable environment to practice the insertion of cochlear implants, a process that traditionally relies heavily on touch and experience, and carries serious risks, such as facial nerve damage, if done incorrectly. The system is the first of its kind, providing a much-needed training tool where none currently exists.
This year, 56吃瓜网 undergraduate research assistant Nathan Smith ‘25 united with Kaelyn Kraley '25 and Sarah Powell ’25 to continue the work under the guidance of Dr. Ajay Mahajan, professor and associate dean for research and industrial engagement at 56吃瓜网, and Dr. Anita Jeyakumar, professor of surgery at Northeast Ohio Medical University.
At the core of the training model is a transparent cochlear structure embedded with a camera and sensors. This setup not only replicates the inner ear’s anatomy with high fidelity, using ADA resin and patient CT scans, but also provides real-time data and visual feedback as users practice electrode insertion. This feedback is crucial in helping future surgeons understand the subtleties of the procedure, which had been previously difficult to simulate due to the cochlea’s hidden and intricate structure. And the practice on this product promises to significantly improve patient outcomes.
“This model represents the real thing, but it’s clear so you can see what’s going on inside,” said Smith. “The software collects data points and gives surgeons metrics to improve their technique.”
Powell joined the project in summer 2024. She led user testing and helped refine the anatomical structure using advanced imaging and materials science to ensure accuracy. “We interviewed users and made the interface more intuitive. It’s incredibly rewarding to see real surgeons use our model and give positive feedback,” she said. “When we watched an actual cochlear implant surgery it gave the whole project new meaning.”
The project has been tested and validated by a cadre of ENT surgeons, residents and fellows. The initial funding came through Jeyakumar’s earlier affiliation with Bon Secours Mercy Hospital and has already been delivered for use in her surgical training labs. It’s been showcased at major conferences, including a national ENT conference at which it was named one of the top three inventions, and was selected for the 2025 "Choose Ohio for Scholars" Showcase. An abstract has also been accepted to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition in November 2025.
“The learning curve in cochlear implant surgery is steep,” explained Mahajan. “Unlike other procedures, cadavers can’t offer the same experience for practicing cochlear access. This model gives medical trainees that opportunity — and it’s repeatable.”
With an invention disclosure submitted to the University of Akron Tech Transfer Office and publication efforts underway, the team is actively exploring partnerships with medical schools and industry to bring the model to a wider audience.
“This is a success story of interdisciplinary collaboration,” said Mahajan. “When researchers, clinicians and students work together with persistence and purpose, the outcome can truly benefit society.”
As for the student team, the work is more than a résumé boost. For Powell, who hails from Homerville, Ohio, and plans a career in medical device research and development (R&D), and Smith, who is from Braceville, Ohio, and aims to enter R&D and pursue an MBA, the experience has been transformative.
“Talking to people who’ve had implants that didn’t work optimally made me realize our work has real impact,” Smith reflected. “This could help change lives.”
Powell added, “A lot of students do senior design projects. But this is different. This is something novel, something meaningful.”
Media contact: Cristine Boyd - cboyd@uakron.edu; 330-972-6476