A cochlear implant is a medically safe device implanted surgically that enables children with hearing impairment to hear and communicate. The device is designed to capture sounds and transmit it to the brain via the auditory nerve. There are two main parts for the implant

1. External processor - that picks up the sound signals
2. Internal transmitter and receiver - that stimulates the auditory nerve

The external processor is worn outside the ear. It receives sound signals and converts them into digital signals. The internal portion is held together by a magnet and placed beneath the skin behind the ear. The digital signals are then converted to electric impulses that stimulate the cochlear nerve and the ability to hear is restored.

The basic working principle of the cochlear implant is to bypass the regions of the ear that are malfunctioning and directly send the signals to the hearing nerve.

This sophisticated mechanism enables to restore even moderate to severe loss of hearing. Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants are surgically implanted and significantly improves quality of life. In this manner we are able to treat a range of conditions using cochlear implants including, congenital hearing loss, progressive loss, cochlear malformations etc.

Giving your child the gift of sound can be a confusing and overwhelming decision. It requires careful evaluation of the pros and cons and identifying the best suited implant. The team at Anand hospitals is multi-disciplinary and has the right experience to make the correct diagnosis. Contact us for your initial evaluation.