Cochlear implant
Cochlear Implant
A Cochlear Implant (pronunciation: /ˈkɒklɪər ˈɪmplænt/) is a surgically implanted electronic device that provides a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing.
Etymology
The term "Cochlear" is derived from the Latin word "cochlea" meaning "snail," referring to the spiral shape of the inner ear. The term "Implant" comes from the Latin "implantare" meaning "to insert."
Description
The cochlear implant is different from a hearing aid. Hearing aids amplify sounds so they may be detected by damaged ears. Cochlear implants bypass damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. Signals generated by the implant are sent by way of the auditory nerve to the brain, which recognizes the signals as sound.
Components
A cochlear implant system consists of an external portion that sits behind the ear and a second portion that is surgically placed under the skin. The external portion contains a microphone, a speech processor, and a transmitter. The internal part has a receiver and an array of electrodes.
Procedure
The procedure to implant the device involves a surgical operation, during which the electrode array is inserted into the cochlea. The receiver is implanted under the skin behind the ear. After the operation, the patient must return to the clinic to have the external equipment adjusted and to receive training on how to use the new system.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cochlear implant
- Wikipedia's article - Cochlear implant
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