Sisäkorvaistuttimet

Sisäkorvaistuttimet are medical devices used to treat hearing loss by stimulating the auditory nerve directly. They are typically implanted in the cochlea, the inner ear structure responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that the brain interprets as sound. There are two main types of sisäkorvaistuttimet: cochlear implants and auditory brainstem implants.

Cochlear implants consist of an external sound processor and a surgically implanted internal component. The external processor captures sound, processes it, and sends it to the internal component, which stimulates the auditory nerve. This bypasses the damaged hair cells in the cochlea, providing a sense of sound to individuals with severe to profound hearing loss.

Auditory brainstem implants, on the other hand, stimulate the auditory nerve at a more central level, bypassing the cochlea entirely. They are typically used in individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who do not have usable residual hearing in the cochlea.

Both types of sisäkorvaistuttimet require a surgical procedure for implantation and a period of rehabilitation to learn how to interpret the electrical signals as sound. They have been shown to significantly improve hearing and quality of life for many individuals with hearing loss. However, they are not suitable for everyone, and the decision to use them should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.