Please upgrade to the latest version of Flash Player. Click here
if you already have Flash Player installed. What is a cochlear
implant? A cochlear implant is a specialized technology that
allows individuals with severe to profound hearing loss to hear
and understand sound. The cochlear implant electrically
stimulates nerve cells in the inner ear (cochlea) which then
sends a signal up the hearing nerve to the brain. In doing so,
the cochlear implant bypasses the problem affecting people with
severe to profound hearing loss that prevents them from
benefiting from hearing aids. How does a cochlear implant work?
There are two parts to a cochlear implant; an external component
which consists of a microphone, speech processor and
transmitter, and an internal component which consists of a
receiver/stimulator and electrode array. The implant works in
the following way. The internal component is placed by a
surgical procedure and is in position at all times under the
skin. After surgery, the external component is pro