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).

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!

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.

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.