Cochlear Implants

Cochlear implants are devices that can provide sound for people who receive little or no benefit from hearing aids. Hearing aids make sounds louder. However, for children and adults who have severe to profound hearing loss, making sounds louder may not be enough to allow the ear to process sound. A cochlear implant may be more successful than hearing aids in some cases, because it bypasses the damaged sense organ of hearing (cochlea) and directly stimulates the hearing (auditory) nerve. Part of the cochlear implant includes tiny electrodes that are surgically inserted into the cochlea. The cochlear implant converts sound into electrical signals that go to the auditory nerve. This section includes information on how the cochlear implant works, who is a candidate, and how to help children learn to listen with this device.

What is a Cochlear Implant and How Does it Work?
Is my Baby a Candidate for a Cochlear Implant?
Pre-Implant Evaluations
Follow-up and Rehabilitation
Expectations
Cost of a Cochlear Implant
Limitations and Risks