Definition:

A cochlear implant is a medical device that helps individuals with severe to profound hearing loss regain their hearing ability by directly stimulating the auditory nerve.

Function:

Cochlear implants work by bypassing the damaged or non-functioning parts of the inner ear (cochlea) and stimulating the auditory nerve electrically. The implant consists of an external portion, which captures and processes sound, and an internal portion, which is surgically placed under the skin and directly stimulates the auditory nerve.

Components:

The external components of a cochlear implant include a microphone that picks up sound, a speech processor that converts sound into electrical signals, and a transmitter that sends these signals to the internal portion. The internal components consist of a receiver and electrode array that receives and stimulates the auditory nerve.

Surgical Procedure:

The surgical procedure for cochlear implantation involves making an incision, usually behind the ear, to insert the receiver and electrode array beneath the skin. The electrode array is carefully threaded into the cochlea to ensure proper placement along the tonotopic gradient, which represents different frequencies of sound.

Hearing Rehabilitation:

After the surgical implantation, the patient undergoes a period of recovery and healing. Once healed, the patient receives training to learn how to understand and interpret the electrical signals transmitted by the cochlear implant. Regular follow-up appointments and adjustments are necessary to optimize the hearing experience.