About Cochlear Implant
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What is a Cochlear Implant?
A cochlear implant is an intricate, medical electronic device that is surgically implanted behind the ear to treat hearing loss. A cochlear implant improves hearing by representing sounds better. Patients may not get back normal hearing but they will be able to hear sounds more clearly and will have an improved understanding of speech in environments filled with noise.
How does the Cochlear Implant work?
A cochlear implant consists of internal parts that are implanted beneath the skin and external parts that are worn by the patient. The external part has a speech processor that helps in creating the sensation of sound. The external microphone and processor gathers the sounds in the environment and converts them into electrical impulses.
The cochlear implant sends impulses to the auditory nerve that transmits the signals to the brain. It can bypass the nonfunctional portions of the ear and provide a direct stimulation to the auditory nerve. These signals are then transmitted by the auditory nerve to the brain that perceives the signals as sound.
A cochlear implant does not increase the volume of sound like a hearing aid but it boosts the nervous reaction to sound.
How is the Cochlear Implant surgery performed?
- The area behind the ear is shaved and sterilized.
- A two to three inch incision is made. This leads to the opening in the mastoid bone and into the middle ear.
- The receiver-stimulator part of the cochlear implant is place on a depression that is made on the bone.
- The device is kept in place with an enduring suture.
- Through the opening in the mastoid bone, another opening is created in the cochlea to implant