A cochlear implant is a medical device designed to help individuals with severe hearing loss or deafness. It works by bypassing damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulating the auditory nerve. The device consists of an external microphone, a speech processor, and an internal implant that is surgically placed under the skin. Unlike traditional hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants convert sound into electrical signals that the brain can interpret. This technology can significantly improve the ability to hear and understand speech, allowing users to engage more fully in conversations and daily activities.