Hearing loss Cochlear implant

Hearing loss

     * Introduction
     * Causes
     * Diagnosis
     * Treatment
     * Hearing aids
     * Cochlear implant
     * Preventing hearing loss

Cochlear implant

Cochlear implant is an electronic medical device used for patients with severe or profound hearing loss, for whom hearing aids are not effective. The device consists of an external party, and the retroauricular electrodes placed surgically placed inside the cochlea (inner ear).

Cochlear implants transmit electrical signals directly to the auditory nerve, with electrodes implanted in the cochlea. From this point of view, the implant is very different from hearing aids, whose purpose is to amplify sound, so it can be perceived by the affected ear. Cochlear implants directly stimulate the auditory nerve. Generated sounds are different from normal and requires an adaptation period of time. However, the implants make possible the collection of environmental sounds and speech. In addition, patients can learn to modulate his voice so as to be understood in order to facilitate conversations.

Using a cochlear implant is more effective in people for whom hearing loss is recent.