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International Journal of Bioprinting Bioprinting hearing loss treatment

Bioprinting has diverse applications in addressing potentially diminishing the necessity for preoperative
different forms of hearing impairment and can generate flap expansion or the procedures associated with both
customized tissue structure models. In contrast to virtual simultaneous and delayed flap fascia transplantation
reality, 3D-printed models facilitate the utilization of coverage. This advancement may result in the creation of
real surgical tools in training, such as forceps, sutures, a tissue-engineered ear with full tissue integrity, thereby
endoscopes, and microscopes, thereby enhancing the creating new possibilities for auricle reconstruction in
realism and accuracy of simulation programs, irrespective individuals with ear deformities. Accurate identification
of the materials employed for printing these models. of anatomical structures is imperative prior to implant
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Numerous studies in the field of otolaryngology have surgery. 90,91 Utilizing advanced imaging techniques,
emphasized the utility of 3D printing in surgical training, enhanced manufacturing processes, and biocompatible
specifically in the study of temporal bone anatomy. The printing materials enables the successful implementation
integration of electronic simulators into printed models of personalized ossicular chain replacement prostheses
enables immediate notifications of potential risks to and other implanted devices. 56,92 Moreover, future research
critical anatomical structures, such as nerves and major on TMP repairs may consider investigating different
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vessels, during temporal bone dissections. 83,84 Additionally, types of stem cells, utilizing various activating factors,
3D printing systems are well-suited for simulating and conducting long-term comparisons with traditional
complications in traditional surgical procedures and repair outcomes. It is imperative to continually improve
for providing training in intricate surgical techniques. restorative effects, particularly in terms of acoustic
In a study conducted by Da Cruz et al. in 2015, it was function. This approach could potentially be extended to
determined that 3D-printed synthetic temporal bones other medical conditions, such as the prevention of arterial
exhibited a high degree of anatomical authenticity, wall injury prior to aneurysm rupture in vascular systems. 46
drilling tone, bone dust production, and tactile feedback In the context of sensorineural deafness, the extracellular
during dissection, closely resembling human bone. matrix plays a vital role in supporting auditory hair cells.
Additionally, Rose et al. utilized patient CT scans to In the future, tailored substrates may be developed to
create temporal bone models for realistic simulation replicate various stages of development. Through targeted
and specialized training in tympanic mastoidectomy modifications of components, there is potential to induce
procedures for complex recurrent cholesteatoma cases. lineage-specific cell differentiation and facilitate organoid
Additionally, 3D printing systems employ a range of colors formation. 70,74,93 Moreover, a key benefit of 3D printing lies
and materials to faithfully replicate the characteristics of in its ability to accurately reproduce intricate anatomical
human trabecular bone, thereby improving the accuracy forms, paving the way for advanced biological 3D printing
of anatomical reconstructions. 4,85–87 The technique of applications in the creation of middle and inner ear
3D bioprinting capitalizes on the benefits of 3D printing structures. The utilization of 3D printing technology
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technology while potentially mitigating certain drawbacks, in the implantation of hearing aids has been evolving for
thereby providing an added level of biological accuracy. several years and has been commercially accessible since
Currently, the integration of 3D bioprinting technology the year 2000. Currently, a significant number of hearing
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into otolaryngology for treating hearing loss is still in its aid manufacturers utilize 3D printing technology to create
nascent stages. Research is limited, primarily focusing personalized hearing aids, with up to 98% of the total
on in vitro and animal studies with minimal exploration hearing aids produced being customized in this manner.
of immunogenic responses. Further investigation is A small percentage of components have not adopted
needed to assess the precision of the fabrication process, stereolithography techniques, primarily due to medical
the acoustic properties of printed microstructures, and considerations or anatomical intricacies. 96,97 Although 3D
the development of novel prosthetic devices and printing bioprinting technology has not yet been widely utilized in
materials. Given the growing demand for personalized the manufacture of hearing aids, it is theorized that future
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drug testing and disease modeling, advancing technologies technological progress could facilitate the creation of
that can produce a high volume of bioprinted organoids is bio-affinitive bone-anchored hearing aids or implantable
a critical area of research. 88,89 cochlear implants. This advancement would enhance the
In the realm of conductive deafness, forthcoming integration with human ear tissue, resulting in sustained
researchers may consider employing 3D bioprinting and reliable functionality.
technology to integrate chondrocytes, adipocytes, and 5. Challenges and future research
epithelial cells with liquid biomaterials. This method could
facilitate the regional allocation of components, thereby This section explores the challenges and future research
augmenting the tissue intricacy of reconstructed ears and directions in the field of bioprinting, a promising subfield

Volume 10 Issue 4 (2024) 112 doi: 10.36922/ijb.3497