Definition
A surgically implanted device that approximates sound by providing direct electrical stimulation to the auditory nerve via the cochlea. This device is designed for those with severe-to-profound hearing loss at the point of the cochlea/auditory nerve.
How it works:
- Sound is picked up from the outside environment via the microphone in the external sound processor.
- The sound processor converts the acoustic signal to specific patterns of electrical impulses.
- These impulses are electro-magnetically sent by the coil (3) to the receiver-stimulator through the skin and soft tissue.
- The receiver-stimulator transmits the electrical impulses to the electrode array seated inside the cochlea to stimulate the auditory nerve and transmit sound to the auditory cortex for interpretation.
