February 2012 blog what is a cochlear implant
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Transcript of February 2012 blog what is a cochlear implant
What is a cochlear implant?
Not all people with hearing loss have the
potential to benefit from hearing aid use;
some may require the use of a cochlear
implant. This is an electronic device implanted
under the skin behind the ear and in the
organ of hearing (cochlea). Electrical
stimulation of the cochlea by the implant send
signals to the hearing nerve. Persons with
severe-to-profound hearing loss may benefit from these implants.
Components
The implant consists of two parts, a behind-the-ear portion and
internal components. The portion that sits behind the ear contains
a microphone for picking up sound, a processor to process the
incoming sound, and a transmitter to send the sound signal to
the internal components. The internal portion receives the sound
information and sends it to the electrodes implanted in the
cochlea. Electric signals stimulate available hearing nerve fibers.
The signal is sent to the brain and sound is heard!
Expectations
While the implant does provide sound stimulation, it is not a
hearing aid and does not work in the same way. Damaged cells in
the cochlea are bypassed, and incoming sound is coded into
electrical impulses that stimulate the hearing nerve. Normal
hearing is not restored. Some users may only gain awareness of
sound, while others may regain quality speech understanding.
Choices
The choice to pursue this option is a serious one, since major
surgery and costs are involved. Regaining sound in a silent
environment, however, is precious and priceless. Discuss with
your audiologist or ear specialist about your options and the
process required to determine cochlear implant candidacy today.
For More Information, Call Hearing Aids Sarasota FL
At: (941) 677-1075
Or
Visit Us At:
http://hearing-aids-sarasota-fl.com