print this page

Mini-Course: Preparing for School-Entry

 

2 - What is a Cochlear Implant?

What is a cochlear implant?

A cochlear implant bypasses damaged or nonfunctioning parts of the ear to create a representation of sound for the person with the cochlear implant. We review the parts of a cochlear implant, which include external and internal components, on the following pages.

While cochlear implants bypass damaged parts of the ear, they cannot overcome hearing loss resulting from abnormalities in the structure of the ear. As a result, not all people with hearing loss are candidates for cochlear implants.

For more information on hearing loss, refer to the How hearing works mini-course.
 

Return to Preparing for School-Entry