Cochlear implant parts and function

A cochlear implant uses a sound processor that you wear behind your ear. A transmitter sends sound signals to a receiver and stimulator implanted under the skin, which stimulate the auditory nerve with electrodes that have been placed in the cochlea.

1. What are the 4 parts of a cochlear implant?
2. What are the external components of a cochlear implant?
3. How do cochlear implants function?

What are the 4 parts of a cochlear implant?

A coronal view showing the relationship of implant components and inner ear structures. Those components are: 1) speech processor; 2) headpiece; 3) internal implant; and 4) electrode array in the cochlea. The microphone on the speech processor captures sound and the processor converts the sound to a digital signal.

What are the external components of a cochlear implant?

A cochlear implant system consists of both internal (implanted) and external components. The external components consist of a microphone, sound processor and a transmitter.

How do cochlear implants function?

A cochlear implant tries to replace the function of the inner ear by turning sound into electrical energy. This energy can then be used to stimulate the cochlear nerve (the nerve for hearing), sending "sound" signals to the brain. Sound is picked up by a microphone worn near the ear.