Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
water concentration, polymerization, hydrogel, swelling
College
Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology
Department
Chemical Engineering
Abstract
Hydrogels are polymers that absorb water and thus swell in the presence of water and/or body fluids. Hydrogels have been used in many drug-delivery and medical applications.1 One such application is to apply a thin coating of a hydrogel to the outer surface of a hearing aid to eliminate acoustic feedback. Acoustic feedback is the high-pitched squeal caused by an incomplete seal between the hearing aid and the surface of the ear canal. This incomplete seal allows amplified sound to escape and be re-amplified by the hearing aid. By coating a hearing aid with a hydrogel, the humidity and oils from the ear will cause the hydrogel to swell and create a seal between the hearing aid and the ear canal. The compliant nature of swollen hydrogels also allows the hydrogel to deform as the ear canal changes shape when hearing aid users talk or eat.
Recommended Citation
Baker, Justin J. and Pitt, Dr. William
(2013)
"Effect of Water Concentration During Polymerization of a Hydrogel on Swelling and Mechanical Properties,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 1763.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1763