The Cochlear Implant

A cochlear implant is an electronic hearing device that was designed to bypass the damaged inner ear by electrically stimulating the hearing nerve. Unlike conventional hearing aids, a cochlear implant does not amplify sound, it replaces the functioning of the inner hair cells by stimulating the hearing nerve with electrical impulses.

A cochlear implant can provide useful hearing for severe to profoundly deaf children and adults. A cochlear implant offers the opportunity for a young deaf child to learn to communicate effectively through spoken language. For adults and older children with this degree of hearing loss, a cochlear implant offers improved access to speech and sound.