cohlear

Cochlear refers to a brand that develops and manufactures implantable hearing devices, most notably cochlear implants. A cochlear implant is an electronic medical device that partially or completely bypasses damaged portions of the ear to stimulate the auditory nerve directly. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants convert sound into electrical signals that are then sent to the brain, allowing individuals with severe to profound hearing loss to perceive sound.

The company, Cochlear Limited, was founded in Australia by Professor Graeme Clark and has been a pioneer in the field of cochlear implant technology since the early 1980s. Their devices typically consist of external components, including a microphone, speech processor, and transmitter, and internal components, a receiver-stimulator and an electrode array. The speech processor captures sound, converts it into digital information, and transmits it to the internal receiver. The receiver then sends electrical impulses through the electrode array, which is surgically implanted in the cochlea, to stimulate the auditory nerve.

Cochlear implants are considered a treatment option for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss who do not benefit sufficiently from conventional hearing aids. The decision to undergo cochlear implantation is typically made after thorough audiological and medical evaluations. Rehabilitation and auditory training are crucial components of the process, helping recipients learn to interpret the new sound signals and improve their communication abilities. Cochlear continues to innovate, developing smaller, more advanced devices and exploring new applications for their technology.