Cochlear implant is an electronic device used by a person to get the sense of a sound if he/she is profoundly deaf or has got difficulties in hearing or sensing sounds. This device is implanted surgically on human beings. Their functioning is different from that of the hearing aids. In the case of hearing aids, it only amplifies the sound in the surroundings. But cochlear implant stimulates the functioning of auditory nerves inside the cochlea, hence the name. This stimulation is done by the application of an electric pulse generated from an electric field. It is also known by other name, ‘bionic ear’.
The different external parts of this electronic device include RF transmitter, speech processor and a microphone. The important internal part is the RF receiver. This receiver is implanted under the skin of the skull.
When the external RF transmitter sends any signal to the RF receiver inside, the signal will be further transmitted into the electrodes which are implanted in the cochlea surgically. The level of sensitivity can be adjusted externally with the help of the speech processor provided. The process of selective filtering of the sound is done by the speech processor. The sound from the environment is picked up with the help of the microphone provided externally. There will be about 22 electrodes arranged in the form of an array in the cochlea. These electrodes act as the carrier of electric impulse from the receiver to the nerves.
The transmitter consists of a coil which is held by the magnet. It is placed behind the ear. The receiver also contains a magnet. Thus there will be an attraction between the receiver and transmitter due to the presence of these magnets, which holds them together. The signals are transmitted by using the principle of electromagnetic induction. This device cannot help you to cure deafness or hearing impairment but can act as a substitute for hearing. Cochlea implant can be fixed only if there is presence of auditory nerve inside. By using this device individual can interact with people easily.
The person must remove the external equipment when he goes for a shower as it may damage the device or may be unsafe for the person. So, proper care must be taken while using the device. Cochlear implant is also used in cases of temporary hearing losses. People with mild hearing losses will not be recommended to use this device. Instead they can use the ordinary hearing aid.
