Description

A cochlear implant is a tiny device that stimulates the cochlear nerve (the nerve that helps to hear) through electrical impulses. The implant has two parts. One that fits inside the ear while the other sits outside or behind the ear. The cochlear implant picks up the external noises from the microphone, processes the sound waves, and transmits them directly to the cochlear nerve. The inner part of the implant is surgically placed under the skin behind the ear. Thin wires and small electrodes are placed towards the cochlear nerve. The sounds and signals transmitted through the electrodes and wires hit the cochlear nerve, which in turn stimulates a hearing sensation in the brain cells. Cochlear implants are much different from hearing aids even though both devices aid in hearing. Hearing aids are devices that improve sounds or make sounds louder and do not aid speech understanding. On the other hand, cochlear implants improve speech understanding while helping restore normal hearing. Appropriate therapy and practice can help reap the healing benefits of cochlear implants. Even children and toddlers can learn to speak and listen well with an increased sound awareness in the environment and rehab therapy after cochlear implant surgery.

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