Cochlear implants are surgically implanted devices that provide a sense of sound to those who are profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing by bypassing damaged portions of the ear to directly stimulate the auditory nerve. They consist of an external portion containing a microphone, speech processor, and transmitter, and an internal portion containing a receiver, stimulator, and electrodes array. Cochlear implants are ideal for those with severe-to-profound deafness in both ears who have functioning auditory nerves but do not benefit from hearing aids. Risks include wound healing issues, infections, and device malfunctions.

1. Cochlear implant

2. Definition
• Cochlear implants are surgically placed
electrical device that receive sound and
transmit the resulting electrical signals to
electrodes implanted in the cochlea of the ear.
• The signals stimulate cochlea, allowing patient
to hear.
• It is also known as Bionic ear.

3. Parts of cochlear implant
• External
– Microphone
– Speech processor
– Transmitter
• Internal
– Receiver and stimulator
– An array of up to 22 electrodes

7. Mechanism
• Cochlear implants bypass damaged portion of
the ear & directly stimulate the auditory nerve
and later the brain recognizes it as sound.

8. Ideal candidate for cochlear
implantation
• Having severe to profound sensori-neural
deafness in both ears.
• Having a functioning auditory nerve.
• Approximately 70+ decibel hearing loss.
• Having good speech, language and
communication skills.
• Not benefitting enough from other kinds of
hearing aids.

9. • Having no medical reason to avoid surgery.
• Living in or desiring to live in the “hearing
world”.
• Having realistic expectations about result.
• Physically and mentally normal person.
• No medical contra-indications.

10. Complications
• Wound healing problems viz skin breakdown,
infection at surgical site and device coming
out.
• CSF leakage
• Meningitis
• Vertigo (temporary dizziness)
• Device failure

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