Introduction
A cochlear implant is an electronic device that replaces the function of a damaged or non-functioning inner ear (cochlea). It is often referred to as a “bionic ear.” The implant consists of three main parts:
- A sound processor worn externally on the skin behind the ear;
- An external antenna that connects to the sound processor; and 3) An internal receiver coil placed under the scalp and attached to electrodes in the cochlea – which stimulates residual hearing nerve cells.
Cochlear implant technology has been developed to improve the ability of people with hearing loss to understand speech.
Cochlear implants are devices that are surgically implanted in the inner ear, allowing people with severe to profound hearing loss to regain some ability to understand speech. The implant uses an external processor worn behind the ear and a receiver-stimulator placed in the middle cranial fossa of the skull. The receiver-stimulator sends electrical signals through an electrode array into the cochlea, where they stimulate auditory nerve fibers that carry information about sounds to the brainstem.[1]
In modern devices, these electrodes are made of platinum or titanium and are shaped like tiny hairs called cilia.[2] They measure 1mm long but only 0.1mm wide at their base,[3] enabling them access into narrow spiral channels within each turn of your cochlea.[4] This allows them to stimulate specific regions along its length depending on where they’re implanted.[5]
Cochlear implants are surgically implanted electronic devices that replace the function of a damaged or non-functioning inner ear (cochlea).
Cochlear implants are surgically implanted electronic devices that replace the function of a damaged or non-functioning inner ear (cochlea). The implant is surgically placed in the head, under the skin and behind the ear. Small electrodes send electrical signals to nerves that carry sound information from your cochlea to your brain.
There are three major components to the implant process: Implantation surgery, programming and evaluation.
There are three major components to the implant process: Implantation surgery, programming and evaluation.
Programming involves placing electrodes in an individual’s cochlea. Evaluation includes testing their hearing ability using various stimuli such as sounds played through a speaker or headphones. Cochlear implants can be programmed to produce sound based on external cues, such as lip reading or watching videos of people talking with closed captioning turned on (or off). The patient then listens for these cues while wearing earphones so they can hear what they look like when they speak or sign language. This allows them to understand what people are saying without having any auditory sensation from their own ears
The advances in cochlear implant technology have helped many people hear again.
Cochlear implants are a great option for people with hearing loss, but not everyone is a good candidate for them. For those who are, however, cochlear implants can be very helpful and help them hear again.
Conclusion
The advances in cochlear implant technology have helped many people hear again. It is important to know that these devices are not a cure for hearing loss and they do not work well in all cases. You should consult with your doctor before deciding whether or not this procedure is right for you.
