How Do Cochlear Implants Work

Hearing aids mostly make sounds louder. Cochlear implants are different; they bypass the damaged part of the ear and stimulate the hearing nerve directly.

This enhances the clarity of sounds and improves your ability to understand speech. It can also help you to regain confidence in social situations, rejoin friends and family, and live a fuller life.

In a recent study, people with cochlear implants could understand sentences eight times better than they could previously with their hearing aids.^1,2

How cochlear implants work

We design cochlear implants to use electrical stimulation and replace the function of the inner ear (cochlea). Learn how implants work and how they process sound.

Cochlear implants for adults

Cochlear implants can provide access to sounds you no longer hear, even in noisy environments. Learn how they may be able to help you.

Cochlear implants for children

Good hearing opens a world of possibilities for children and their families. Learn how cochlear implants can help your child.

Disclaimer

Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always follow the directions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.

For a full list of Cochlear’s trademarks, please visit our Terms of Use page.

In Australia, Cochlear™ Nucleus® implant systems are intended for the treatment of moderately severe to profound hearing loss.

In Australia, Baha® bone conduction implant systems are intended for the treatment of moderate to profound hearing loss.

In Australia, the Cochlear™ Osia® System is indicated for patients with conductive, mixed hearing loss and single-sided sensorineural deafness (SSD) aged 10 years and above with up to 55 decibels sensorineural hearing loss. Patients should have sufficient bone quality and quantity to support successful implant placement. Surgery is required to use this product. Any surgical procedure carries risk.

For Cochlear™ Nucleus®, Osia® and Baha® systems: This product is not available for purchase by the general public. For information on funding and reimbursement please contact your health care professional.

Any testimonial featured on this website is intended for an Australian audience only.

References

Gaylor JM, Raman G, Chung M, et al. Cochlear Implantation in Adults. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2013;139(3):265–272.
Runge CL, Henion K, Tarima S, Beiter A, Zwolan TA. Clinical Outcomes of the Cochlear^TM Nucleus® 5 Cochlear Implant System and SmartSound^TM 2 Signal Processing. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology [Internet]. 2016 [cited 2018 Oct 25];(6):425.