Mini-Course: Preparing for School-Entry
2 - What is a Cochlear Implant?
Internal components
The internal components of a cochlear implant are surgically put into place. They include a receiver and an electrode array.- The receiver, surgically placed into the skull behind the ear, receives signals from the external component. It sends electronic signals to electrodes implanted throughout the cochlea.
- The electrode array is a tiny wire with numerous electrodes on it. The wire is threaded into the cochlea, where the electrodes replicate the function of the hair cells.
To review how a cochlear implant works, view the video below.
Don't have Quicktime? Download it here.
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