How cochlear implants work
When a crucial part of your inner ear is not working properly, you may need more than a hearing aid — you may need a cochlear implant. Learn more about how they work and help you process sound.
How do cochlear implants work?
Cochlear implants are designed to mimic the function of a healthy inner ear (or cochlea). They replace the function of damaged sensory hair cells inside the inner ear to help provide clearer sound than what hearing aids can provide.
A cochlear implant system, like the industry-leading Cochlear™ Nucleus® System, has two parts:
- The external sound processor
- The implant that is surgically placed under the skin and attached to an electrode array that is placed in the inner ear
Together, these parts bypass the part of the ear that isn’t working, sending sound straight to the hearing nerve. Watch the video below to learn more about how cochlear implants work.
Your journey to better hearing is worth every step.
Learn more about the steps to getting a cochlear implant.
Hearing Test
You will need to have your hearing tested by a Hearing Implant Specialist to determine if you are a candidate for a cochlear implant.
Insurance Approval
Your Hearing Implant Specialist will work with your insurance company to determine your eligibility for coverage.
Surgery
Cochlear implant surgery is a fairly routine outpatient procedure that usually takes between two to four hours under general anesthesia.
Activation
Typically two to four weeks after surgery, you will have an appointment with your audiologist to activate your cochlear implant. This is the day you will begin to hear sound through your cochlear implant for the first time.
Post Surgery
You will have several appointments over the first several months so your audiologist can make adjustments and fine tune your sound processor to help ensure your best hearing experience.
Ongoing Rehabilitation & Care
Just as with any surgical procedure, you will need to undergo rehabilitation. Your brain will need to be retrained to understand sounds. Rehabilitation can help to speed up the learning and healing process and will be key to your success.
Find a Hearing Implant Specialist near you
More information
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 read the instructions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.
Views expressed are those of the individual. Consult your health professional to determine if you are a candidate for Cochlear technology.
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