A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that helps people with severe hearing loss or deafness. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants bypass damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. This allows the brain to receive sound signals, helping individuals perceive sounds and understand speech.
The device consists of two main parts: an external processor worn behind the ear and an internal implant surgically placed under the skin. Many users of cochlear implants, including children and adults, report significant improvements in their ability to communicate and engage with the world around them.