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FAQ - COCHLEAR IMPLANT BASICS
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Frequently Asked Questions

A cochlear implant is an implanted electrode device designed to create useful hearing for a person with a total or severe hearing loss. Deafness caused by nerve damage in the inner ear can be supplanted by surgically inserting an electrode array that will replace the missing or damaged nerve hair cells stimulating the precise site on the cochlea and sending signals to the brain’s auditory center and giving the recipient the sensation of sound.

Cochlear implants consist of two parts, the first part is the external sound processor which looks like a behind-the-ear hearing aid or the newer models which look like a large coat button which rests off the ear. Both of these styles connect to the internal processor by a magnet that is inserted under the skin during the surgery. The external processor contains the microphones and a battery similar to a hearing aid and a processor which converts sound to a digital format.

The second part is internal processor contains another thin processing unit and a thin wire with electrodes that is surgically implanted in the cochlea during an outpatient procedure.  The internal part of the cochlear implant does not contain a battery or any power source. It is powered by the external processor via the antennas which surrounds the magnets.

If you have more specific questions, please write us at editors@cochlearimplantbasics.com