Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41455867›Full record

SynthesisAnnals of biomedical engineering2026

Finite Element Modeling of Cochlear Mechanics: A Systematic Review.

Nastaran Shakourifar, Ashley Micuda, Caleb Thompson, Seyed A Rohani, Sumit K Agrawal, Abbas Samani, Hanif M Ladak

Abstract readSystematic ReviewReview
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In one paragraph

Synthesis in Annals of biomedical engineering, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Nastaran ShakourifarSchool of Biomedical Engineering, Western University, London, Canada. nshakour@uwo.ca.
Ashley MicudaDepartment of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Canada.
Caleb ThompsonDepartment of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Canada.
Seyed A RohaniDepartment of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, Canada.
Sumit K Agrawal *School of Biomedical Engineering, Western University, London, Canada.
Abbas Samani *School of Biomedical Engineering, Western University, London, Canada.
Hanif M Ladak *School of Biomedical Engineering, Western University, London, Canada.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeFinite element (FE) modeling is a powerful computational tool used to simulate complex systems. In recent years, a considerable number of publications have reported the use of the FE method to study the cochlea and cochlear implants (CIs). However, large variability exists in the development of cochlear FE models.

objectiveTo present a systematic review of FE macromechanical modeling of the cochlea, identifying the techniques used and associated limitations across existing studies.

methodA literature search was conducted through PubMed, Scopus, and IEEE-Xplore databases of studies using FE modeling to study the cochlea and CIs. Studies published between January 1, 1985, and February 15, 2025, were assessed using the Covidence systematic review platform ( www.covidence.org ).

resultsA total of 1209 publications were found through the initial database search. After screening and full-text review, 77 studies met the inclusion criteria. Two primary modeling strategies were identified: simplified uncoiled model or realistic coiled model, including either two chambers or three chambers by incorporating the scala media and Reissner's membrane. Substantial variation was observed in material assumptions, particularly regarding basilar membrane stiffness. Validation was inconsistent; most studies compared model outputs with established experimental data such as Greenwood's frequency-place function, while some used computational comparisons or limited clinical data.

conclusionFE cochlear models provide valuable insight into cochlear mechanics yet remain constrained by simplified geometries, non-standardized material parameters, and insufficient experimental validation. Future work should integrate imaging and functional data and establish standardized modeling, material properties, and validation frameworks to improve physiological and clinical relevance.

Indexed as

CochleaCochlear ImplantsModels, BiologicalAnimalsBiomechanical PhenomenaFinite Element AnalysisHumansBiomechanicsCochlear macromechanicsFinite element modelingSystematic literature review

Identifiers

PMID41455867

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.