Cochlear implants can help provide a sense of sound to those with severe or profound hearing loss. The document discusses how cochlear implants work and their limitations compared to normal hearing. It also examines factors that affect performance with cochlear implants, such as age at implantation, duration of deafness, and commitment to therapy. Research found that children who received cochlear implants at younger ages had significantly better spoken language outcomes compared to older children, highlighting the importance of early intervention. While cochlear implants improve hearing, continued advances in technology and biological treatments are still needed to better replicate the full capabilities of normal hearing.