What to know about Cochlear Implants

Cochlear Implants

A cochlear (koe-klee-er) implant is a device that provides direct electrical stimulation to the auditory (hearing) nerve in the inner ear. Children and adults with a severe to profound hearing loss who cannot be helped with hearing aids may be helped with cochlear implants.

This type of hearing loss is sensorineural, which means there is damage to the tiny hair cells in the part of the inner ear called the cochlea. Because of this damage, sound cannot reach the auditory nerve. With a cochlear implant, the damaged hair cells are bypassed, and the auditory nerve is stimulated directly.

The cochlear implant does not result in “restored” or “cured” hearing. It does, however, allow for the perception of the sensation of sound.

The benefits from a cochlear implant depend on many factors, such as:

• The age of the patient when he or she receives the implant
• Whether the hearing loss was present before or after the patient developed language skills
• The motivation of the patient and his or her family

Source: www.asha.org