Case Study: Cochlear Technology Center Belgium achieves simulation-driven design of the Codacs Direct Acoustic Cochlear Implant with COMSOL Multiphysics

Simulation based Design of New Implantable Hearing Device

Cochlear Technology Center Belgium, part of Cochlear Ltd., set out to develop a new Direct Acoustic Cochlear Implant (DACI) called Codacs to treat severe to profound mixed hearing loss. The team faced the challenge of designing a tiny implantable electromagnetic actuator with extremely tight tolerances — including a titanium diaphragm under 50 microns that must provide precise spring stiffness, hermetic sealing and biocompatibility — requiring integrated structural, electromagnetic and acoustic analysis. To meet this challenge they used Comsol Multiphysics.

Using Comsol, the team ran unified multiphysics simulations (structural, acoustics, electromagnetic, piezoelectric) and parametric studies to map forces, von Mises stress and magnetic flux, allowing optimization of diaphragm thickness, magnet strength and air gaps. Comsol’s models let Cochlear tune the device in software, avoid lengthy trial-and-error prototyping (the team estimates five physical prototypes would have taken about half a year), and validate the actuator design; the Codacs implant advanced to clinical trials with encouraging results, confirming the design direction and commercial viability.

Cochlear Technology Center Belgium

Patrik Kennes

CAE Engineer