What is a Cochlear Implant & How Does It Work?

What is a Cochlear Implant & How Does It Work?

A cochlear implant system includes several pieces of technology that work together to bypass the cochlea—restoring hearing by sending sound directly to the hearing nerve. The first is an internal component (the implant and electrode array) which is implanted by a surgeon. And the second is a series of external components that is worn on the ear and attaches to the implant (the headpiece and processor).
Cochlear implant technology has advanced significantly in the past 30+ years.

1 The microphone captures sound waves.

2 The sound waves are converted into detailed digital signals by the sound processor.

3 The headpiece sends the digital signals to the cochlear implant and electrode array in the inner ear.

4 The electrode array stimulates the hearing nerve.

5 The hearing nerve sends impulses to the brain, which interprets them as sounds.