Cochlear Implant

Definition

A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted electronic device that provides a sense of sound to individuals with severe hearing loss or deafness. It bypasses damaged parts of the inner ear and stimulates the auditory nerve directly.

Related terms

Hearing Loss:

The decreased ability to hear sounds, which can range from mild to profound.

Auditory Nerve:

The nerve that carries electrical signals from the inner ear (cochlea) to the brain, allowing us to perceive and interpret sound.

Inner Ear:

The part of the ear that contains the cochlea, responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals.