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What is a Cochlear Implant?
A cochlear implant is an electronic device that has two parts. One part is implanted, the other being worn externally.
Unlike hearing aids which amplify sounds, a cochlear implant bypasses the parts of the ear that don't work to send an electronic signal direct to the inner ear (the cochlea). In this way a cochlear implant can enable a profoundly deaf person to perceive the sensation of sound.
The internal part of the implant consists of a receiver which is surgically fitted to the bone behind the ear and a series of electrode bands which are fitted inside the cochlea and stimulate the auditory nerve.
The internal part is surgically buried under the skin. The external part of the cochlear implant consists of a speech processor, a microphone and a coil transmitter. Behind the ear systems (BTEs) are available with all implants.
For more information please go to the MED-EL website. Upper picture courtesy of MED-EL. © MED-EL 2005
For more information please go to the Cochlear website. Lower picture courtesy of Cochlear. © Cochlear 2005