Cochlear Implants: The Structure and the Working
With the advancement of technology, even profound sensory neural loss is not a problem. Cochlear implants are devices that are implanted into the cochlea; these devices convert the sound energy to electrical energy thereby stimulate the cochlear nerve. The device consists of various parts: 1. Microphone: It is receptive to sound energy and is implicated in the collection of sound signals. 2. Speech processor: It converts sound energy to electrical energy. 3. Transmitter: It transfers the electrical signal into the inner coil. 4. Receiver: It receives the signal from the transmitter and further transfers it to the cochlea. It is implanted in the skin. 5. Electrodes: Electrodes present on the cochlea receive electrical signals and stimulates the auditory nerve. The sound perceived as a result of cochlear implantation is different from normal hearing. This warrants rehabilitative measures such as auditory training. Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cochlear-implants/about/pac-20385021#:~:text=A%20cochlear%20implant%20is%20an,helped%20by%20using%20hearing%20aids. Image via https://www.drkashifentspecialist.com/what-is-a-cochlear-implant.html