Cochlear implants

Cochlear implants are a type of medical device that provide a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants bypass the damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve.

History

The concept of cochlear implants dates back to the 1950s, when French surgeon André Djourno and electrical engineer Charles Eyriès first attempted to stimulate the auditory nerve using an electrical current. However, it was not until the 1970s that the first multi-channel cochlear implant was developed by Graeme Clark, a professor at the University of Melbourne.

Function

Cochlear implants consist of an external portion that sits behind the ear and a second portion that is surgically placed under the skin. The implant works by converting sound signals into electrical signals, which are then sent to the auditory nerve. The brain interprets these signals as sound.

Candidacy

Cochlear implants are not suitable for all individuals with hearing loss. Candidates typically have profound hearing loss in both ears and receive little or no benefit from hearing aids. They must also have a functioning auditory nerve and be willing to undergo the necessary therapy to learn or relearn the sense of hearing.

Risks and benefits

While cochlear implants can provide a sense of sound to individuals with severe hearing loss, they also carry risks, including the risks associated with surgery and the possibility of device failure. However, for many individuals, the benefits, which include improved ability to hear speech and environmental sounds, outweigh the risks.

Future developments

Research is ongoing into ways to improve cochlear implants, including the development of devices that can provide a more natural sense of sound and the use of stem cell therapy to regenerate the damaged parts of the ear.