What is a cochlear implant?

A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted device for people who cannot benefit from hearing aids.

1. A device that looks like a small hearing aid fits behind the ear and is held in place on the scalp by a magnet.

2. The internal device is surgically placed under the scalp and sends the signals from the external processor through a small array of electrodes to the inner ear.

3. The signals through the electrodes stimulate the hearing nerve allowing the brain to perceive sound.