• Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)
• Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL)
• Piezoelectric materials
• Cochlear implants (CIs)

To date, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) affects millions of people worldwide. However, the use of chemical drugs has proven to be ineffective in treating this condition. Cochlear implants (CIs) have emerged as the most effective solution for individuals with severe-to-profound hearing loss. These medical devices function by mimicking and replacing the damaged structures of the cochlea. Unfortunately, their high cost due to the presence of advanced electronic components makes them unaffordable for a significant portion of society.
In recent biomedical research, piezoelectric materials, particularly piezo-polymers, have garnered significant attention. This focus is primarily due to their biocompatibility, flexibility, and the potential to incorporate piezo-ceramic nanoparticles, which enhances their performance and ease of handling. This study aims to explore the production of various piezoelectric ultrafine fibers using electrospinning techniques. Additionally, it investigates how the fiber geometry and nanoparticle additives influence the piezoelectric properties. Furthermore, the study presents an innovative setup for fabricating composite yarns, demonstrating promising features for application in new cochlear devices.
Finally, this study will analyze the potential positive and negative contributions of this technology to the relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and what are the main positive and negative social impacts along the supply chain considering in particular the extraction and processing of the critical raw materials, contained in the implant. Moreover, this analysis will provide insights into the use of critical raw materials in the field of new medical devices, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in this area.