HESP Seminar: Jack Noble (Vanderbilt)

Title: Computer-assistance techniques for cochlear implant interventions

Abstract: Cochlear implants (CIs) are neural prosthetics that induce the sensation of hearing by stimulating the auditory nerve using an array of electrodes implanted in the cochlea. While the traditional intervention has been remarkably successful, it leads to widely varying hearing outcomes. It has been suspected that outcomes are highly sensitive to the positioning of the CI electrodes in the cochlea. Dr. Noble has investigated this relationship using novel image analysis techniques he developed that permit measurement of the position of CI electrodes in patient CT images. Leveraging discoveries from these investigations, his current research aims to improve outcomes with CIs through the development of novel computer assistance systems for (1) comprehensive pre-operative surgery planning and intra-operative guidance to improve electrode positioning and (2) patient-customized selection of settings on the CI processor, which, as shown in ongoing clinical studies, can mitigate the negative effects of sub-optimal electrode positioning and significantly improve hearing outcomes. In this seminar, Dr. Noble will present solutions that have been developed, current results, and directions for future research.

Bio: Professor Jack Noble’s research interests are in medical image processing and analysis, including image registration and segmentation techniques, such as statistical shape models, graph search, machine learning, and level set techniques.  He is also interested in computer-assisted surgery and computer-aided interventions. His recent focus has been in developing image analysis-based solutions for improving cochlear implant surgery and post-operative rehabilitation.