A cochlear implant is a hearing aid that directly activates the inner ear by electrically stimulating the hearing nerve endings. A cochlear implant has two main parts: external hearing aid and internal implant.

The external hearing aid has 2 components: microphone-processor and magnet coil. The microphone-processor hangs on the ear to sit behind it. A discrete cable connects the microphone-processor to the circular coil. The coil magnetically attaches behind the ear to the hidden internal implant. The internal implant is surgically placed beneath the skin and is invisible.

The external component can be easily removed when required, just like any hearing aid. When removed there are no visible signs of an internal component.

The microphone-processor analyses sounds close to the ear hole and converts them into a digital code.

Through a thin wire this code is sent to the magnetic coil.

The coil sends the digital sound code using electromagnetic induction through the skin to the internal component.

The internal component is surgically implanted, and delivers electrical stimulation directly to the inner ear.

A cochlear implant is for people with severe hearing loss, whose hearing needs are no longer met by modern hearing aids. Having both ears working effectively (ear laterality) is important. If hearing is poor in both ears, 2 cochlear implants give considerable gains over just one. If hearing is poor in one ear, a cochlear implant in that ear can restore stereo hearing and improve ability to hear speech in noisy environments.

There are 3 main manufacturers in the UK – Cochlear™, Mel-El, and Advanced Bionics. All three make fantastic implant devices and choosing between them can be difficult. It is important that you obtain information from an impartial service that incorporates surgical implantation and management of all implants, as part of the service.

Each implant has different rules regarding scanning and it is important to take your implant registration card when you attend for a scan. Strict manufacturer instructions must be followed by the scanning department to ensure safety.

Generally, CT scans and MRI scans (up to 3 Tesla strength) are compatible will all of the new cochlear implant models.

Yes.

You can either take the external processor off and go swimming (thus, without hearing) or purchase manufacturer-specific water proof cases that allow you to go swimming or even surfing with the processor on (with hearing)!