Type of Surgery

Information

Doctor Certified

Last updated: 11/24/2009

Definition

A cochlear implant is a small, complex electronic device used to treat severe to profound hearing loss. It is surgically implanted underneath the skin behind the patient's ear.





NEXT:
2. Purpose

Advertisement

This animation not only shows how the ear detects sound waves and converts those waves into nerve signals, but it also shows how cochlear implants work and allow patients with nerve deafness to hear.

Related Videos

How an adenotonsillectomy is carried out

Using graphic animation, this video shows the step by step process for removing tonsils and adenoids, including these anatomical structures that are located in the throat.

Endocrine System, Pituitary Gland

This narrated 3D animation shows how the brain drives the specialized nerve cells of the pituitary gland and, in turn, how the pituitary gland effects other endocrine glands. The feedback regulation of the endocrine system is also described.

Causes and Types of Hearing Loss

People hear sound waves when the ear and associated structures convert sound energy into nerve impulses. An overview of the way in which the ear "hears" is discussed along with discussion of the two main types of hearing loss: conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss.

Osteoporosis-3D Medical Animation

This video describes the two types of osteoporosis, the symptoms that it may cause, the tests used to diagnose osteoporosis, and some treatment options. Note the estrogen replacement therapy mentioned in the video may not be appropriate for most patients.

A cochlear implant has a microphone outside the ear that transmits sounds to an implanted receiver. In turn, the receiver transmits electrical impulses to the cochlea and cochlear nerve, which is stimulated in normal hearing. (Illustration by GGS Inc.) A cochlear implant has a microphone outside the ear that transmits sounds to an implanted receiver. In turn, the receiver transmits electrical impulses to the cochlea and cochlear nerve, which is stimulated in normal hearing. (Illustration by GGS Inc.)




Search

Other Information

A cochlear implant (CI) is a surgically implanted electronic device that provides a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing. The cochlear implant is often referred to as a bionic ear. Unlike hearing aids, the cochlear implant does not amplify sound, but works by directly stimulating any functioning auditory nerves inside the cochlea with electric field stimulated through an electric impulse. External components of the cochlear implant include a microphone, speech processor and an RF transmitter. Similarly an RF receiver is implanted beneath the skull's skin. The transmitter has a piece of magnet by which it attaches to another magnet placed beside the receiver. When the receiver gets a signal, it will be transmitted to the implanted electrodes in the cochlea. The speech processor allows an individual to adjust the sound level of sensitivity.


From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cochlear_implant

Other Information

In 2000, children's risk of surgery increased from 17.9% in 1981 to 20.2% in 1998/99, while ENT surgery rates increased by 21% over the period.


From: NCBI

Find a Qualified Specialist

Looking for a specialist?

Please enter your zip code.