Validation of a Signal Processing and Sensor Data Fusion Pipeline for Cochlear Implant Insertion Force Measurement

Introduction

Insertion forces acting during cochlear implant surgery have been associated with intracochlear trauma and loss of residual hearing, but are almost imperceptible. To enable intraoperative insertion force measurement, our group developed the Forception Tool, a handheld device integrating a force sensor and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for correcting gravity-related bias in force signals. While the tool and its data acquisition pipeline are established, the signal processing and sensor fusion validation required for reliable force interpretation are yet to be performed.