sisäkorvaistutteen

Sisäkorvaistute, often referred to as a cochlear implant, is an electronic medical device that replaces the function of a damaged inner ear. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants bypass damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. This electrical stimulation is then processed by the brain as sound.

The device consists of external and internal components. 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. The internal part, surgically implanted under the skin, has a receiver-stimulator and an electrode array. The transmitter sends signals to the receiver-stimulator, which then relays them to the electrode array. The electrode array is inserted into the cochlea, the spiral-shaped cavity of the inner ear, and delivers electrical pulses to the auditory nerve.

Cochlear implants are typically used for individuals with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who do not benefit significantly from conventional hearing aids. They can be implanted in both children and adults. While they do not restore normal hearing, cochlear implants can provide a representation of sound that allows users to understand speech and other environmental sounds. Rehabilitation and therapy are crucial components of successful cochlear implant use, as the brain needs time to learn to interpret the new auditory signals. The effectiveness of a cochlear implant can vary depending on factors such as the duration of deafness, the age of implantation, and the individual's auditory nerve health.