What is a Cochlear Implant?
Cochlear implants use electrical stimulation to send sound to the brain. Traditional hearing aids are non-invasive devices which amplify sound to make it louder and more audible, and rely on a residual hearing of the user. Cochlear implants are a permanent surgical solution for more complex types of hearing loss or when hearing aids are no longer providing enough benefit.
How does a Cochlear implant work?
A cochlear implant system has two parts:
- The external processor worn on the head/outer ear
- The implant placed under the skin and electrode in the inner ear (cochlea)
Together, these components stimulate the hearing nerve directly to send acoustic signals to the brain for interpretation. Essentially, the implanted electrode takes the place of the thousands of hair cells in the cochlea that typically transduce sound. When these hairs are no longer working effectively or being aided sufficiently by traditional hearing aids, this can be an alternative solution. An implant does not restore normal hearing. Instead, it can give a deaf person a useful representation of sounds in the environment and help him or her to understand speech.
How is the sound sent to the brain?
Sounds are picked up by the sound processor which sits behind the ear. These sounds are converted into a digital code by the processor which is sent to the implant under the skin. The implant converts the code into electrical signals and sends it down the electrical array which is in the recipient’s cochlea. When the signal is received by the array, it stimulates the nerve fibres in the cochlea and the signals are recognised by the brain as sound.
What are the benefits?
Cochlear implants have been designed to provide better clarity of sound and speech understanding. Making the decision to get an implant is a big one and will involve determination of whether you will be a suitable candidate. This relies on a mix of factors including but not limited to: your hearing thresholds, anatomical makeup and current hearing aid benefit. The first step is often to see an audiologist and Ear Nose and Throat specialist for a personalised consultation. Contact us at Abi Hearing to find out more.
