How a Cochlear Implant Works

A cochlear implant consists of both externally worn and surgically implanted components.

• The microphone picks up acoustic energy or sound waves and sends them to the speech processor.
• The speech processor can be body worn or ear level. The speech processor analyses and codes the signal according to measurements taken while programming the device. The coded signal is then sent to the transmitter coil.

             Ear Level Processors                                        Body Worn Processor

Internal Devices Surgically Implanted

• The transmitter coil is worn in the hair and sends the signal across the skin via an FM signal to the internal device.

• The internal device is surgically implanted. It is comprised of a receiver stimulator and electrode array. It receives the signal from the transmitting coil and delivers the correct amount of electrical stimulation to the corresponding electrodes in the array. The electrodes in turn stimulate the auditory nerve fibers and the signal is sent to the brain, which interprets the signal as sound.

Accessories for a Cochlear Implant

Each company has a variety of accessories that can help the cochlear implant recipient use their speech processor with devices such as CD players and the telephone. There are also various colors and wear configurations.