kuuldeimplantaatide

Kuuldeimplantaadid, known in English as cochlear implants, are sophisticated electronic medical devices that bypass damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. Unlike conventional hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants convert sound into electrical signals that are then sent to the brain. This technology can be a life-changing option for individuals with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss for whom hearing aids provide little or no benefit.

The device consists of two main parts: an external component and an internal component. The external part includes a microphone, a speech processor, and a transmitter. The microphone picks up sounds, and the speech processor converts these sounds into digital code. The transmitter sends this coded information to the internal component, which is surgically implanted under the skin behind the ear. The internal component has a receiver/stimulator and an electrode array. The receiver/stimulator receives the coded information and converts it into electrical impulses. These impulses are then delivered to the auditory nerve via the electrode array, which is threaded into the cochlea, the spiral-shaped cavity in the inner ear.

The selection process for a cochlear implant is comprehensive, involving audiological evaluations, medical assessments, and often psychological screening. Candidates must have hearing loss that significantly impacts their ability to understand speech and verbal communication, and their hearing loss should not be adequately addressed by hearing aids. The surgery itself is generally considered safe, and the benefits can include improved speech understanding, greater awareness of environmental sounds, and enhanced quality of life. Rehabilitation, including auditory training and speech therapy, is a crucial part of the process to help individuals learn to interpret the new auditory information.