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.
cross-section_earpiece.png
To review how a cochlear implant works, view the video below.


Don't have Quicktime? Download it here.

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