PhD defence Marc van Hoof

Keywords: Skin integration, Hearing implants, Biofilm, Commercial research

"Skin integration for better acceptance of hearing implants"

This PhD thesis explored whether permanent implants that pass through the skin can successfully integrate with the surrounding tissue to form a long-lasting, protective seal against bacterial invasion. Achieving such integration could reduce the risk of infection and improve the long-term safety of devices such as bone-anchored hearing implants. To investigate this, a combination of advanced microscopy techniques, clinical studies, and patient evaluations was used. The research not only examined how skin and implant materials interact at the microscopic level but also considered the broader impact on patients’ quality of life. Special attention was given to the psychological and social effects of visible implants, as some patients experience stigmatization related to their appearance. The findings contribute to developing safer, more acceptable implant technologies for long-term use.

Click here for the full dissertation. 

Click here for the live stream.