kotiiliimplanti

Kotiiliimplanti, also known as a cochlear implant, is an electronic medical device that bypasses damaged portions of the inner ear and directly stimulates the auditory nerve. Unlike hearing aids which amplify sound, cochlear implants convert sound into electrical signals. These signals are then sent to an implanted electrode array in the cochlea, which in turn stimulates the auditory nerve, allowing the brain to perceive sound.

The device has two main parts: an external processor and an internal implanted component. The external part, worn behind the ear, includes a microphone to pick up sound, a speech processor to convert sound into digital signals, and a transmitter coil that sends these signals through the skin to the internal component. The internal component, surgically placed under the skin, consists of a receiver and a stimulator connected to an electrode array that is threaded into the cochlea.

Cochlear implants are typically recommended for individuals with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who do not benefit sufficiently from hearing aids. This includes both children and adults. Candidacy is determined through a thorough audiological and medical evaluation. While cochlear implants can significantly improve speech understanding and the ability to communicate, they do not restore normal hearing. Rehabilitation and auditory training are crucial components of successful cochlear implant use, helping individuals learn to interpret the new sound information.