What is a cochlear implant?

Not all people with hearing loss have the

potential to benefit from hearing aid use;

some may require the use of a cochlear

implant. This is an electronic device implanted

under the skin behind the ear and in the

organ of hearing (cochlea). Electrical

stimulation of the cochlea by the implant send

signals to the hearing nerve. Persons with

severe-to-profound hearing loss may benefit from these implants.

Components

The implant consists of two parts, a behind-the-ear portion and

internal components. The portion that sits behind the ear contains

a microphone for picking up sound, a processor to process the

incoming sound, and a transmitter to send the sound signal to

the internal components. The internal portion receives the sound

information and sends it to the electrodes implanted in the

cochlea. Electric signals stimulate available hearing nerve fibers.

The signal is sent to the brain and sound is heard!

Expectations

While the implant does provide sound stimulation, it is not a

hearing aid and does not work in the same way. Damaged cells in

the cochlea are bypassed, and incoming sound is coded into

electrical impulses that stimulate the hearing nerve. Normal

hearing is not restored. Some users may only gain awareness of

sound, while others may regain quality speech understanding.

Choices

The choice to pursue this option is a serious one, since major

surgery and costs are involved. Regaining sound in a silent

environment, however, is precious and priceless. Discuss with

your audiologist or ear specialist about your options and the

process required to determine cochlear implant candidacy today.

For More Information, Call Hearing Aids Sarasota FL

At: (941) 677-1075

Or

Visit Us At:

http://hearing-aids-sarasota-fl.com