The Ears Have It

Ears are unique, and some are even more unique than others: Some scientists are developing a security system can identify people by the distinctive shape and features of their ears, while others have created an advanced bionic ear to reverse a kind of deafness.

Guy Rutty and his colleagues at the UK's Univ. of Leicester recently announced the development of a computerized ear identification and "earprint" system. Their research was motivated by the realization that, like fingerprints, no two ears appear to be exactly alike.

The new system automatically measures 14 to 18 points on a photo or imprint of an ear, comparing the results to a database of ears on file.  The system surpasses previous manual identification systems in both speed and accuracy in identification of an ear's owner.

Unlike fingerprints, earprints can be read from a distance, unobtrusively, and in public places. How long until we start seeing security camera footage of ear-muffed robbers?

Learn more from FindBiometrics.com or the Leicester University press release

Implant patient Molly Brown recounts in WIRED magazine that she "went from absolutely nothing to hearing what seems like everything." Brown lost her hearing after surgery to remove tumors from her auditory nerves.

The new "penetrating auditory brain stem implant," as it is called, uses a tiny external microphone and eight microscopically-thin electrodes, which are threaded directly into the brain stem, the delicate area responsible for controlling autonomous functions like breathing and heartbeats. Earlier implants stopped short of actually entering the brain stem.

Buoyed by the apparent success of the new ear implants, some scientists envision using the new micro-electrodes and brain stem insertion approach to help restore lost vision, control pain, and alleviate paralysis.

Visit the House Ear Institute (online ear testing available!) including a press release on the new implants

Read the WIRED magazine article