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| cochlear implant |
1.
T How a Cochlear Implant Works
The External Sound Processor: This is the visible component, typically worn behind the ear, similar
in appearance to a Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aid. Its primary function is to
capture sounds from the environment. Equipped with microphones, the sound
processor picks up auditory information, analyzes it, and converts it into a
digital code. This digital signal is then transmitted wirelessly through a coil
on the outside of the head to the internal implant. Modern sound processors are
highly advanced, featuring sophisticated digital signal processing capabilities
that can filter out background noise, emphasize speech, and adapt to various
listening environments. Some even offer direct connectivity to smartphones and
other devices, allowing for streaming of audio.
2.
The Internal Implant: This part is
surgically placed under the skin behind the ear. It consists of a
receiver-stimulator, which receives the digitized sound signals from the
external sound processor, and an electrode array. The receiver-stimulator
decodes the signals and sends electrical impulses along the thin, flexible
electrode array. This array is carefully threaded into the cochlea, the
snail-shaped, fluid-filled structure in the inner ear that normally converts
sound vibrations into nerve impulses. Crucially, the electrode array bypasses
the damaged hair cells within the cochlea – the very cells that are typically
responsible for translating sound vibrations into electrical signals.
3.
The Cochlear Nerve and Brain: Once the electrical impulses reach the cochlea via the electrode array,
they directly stimulate the fibers of the auditory nerve (also known as the
cochlear nerve). This nerve then transmits these electrical signals to the
brain, which interprets them as sound. It's important to note that the sound
perceived through a cochlear implant is not identical to natural hearing. For
many users, particularly in the initial stages, the sound can be described as
mechanical, robotic, or "like Mickey Mouse." However, with time,
adaptation, and consistent therapy, the brain learns to interpret these new
signals, and the perceived sound becomes richer and more natural, allowing for
improved speech comprehension and environmental awareness.
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| hearing processor |
Who Benefits
from a Cochlear Implant?
Cochlear implants are not a universal solution
for all types of hearing loss. They are primarily designed for individuals with
severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss – meaning damage to the inner ear
(cochlea) or the auditory nerve. Candidates for cochlear implantation typically
include:
·
Individuals who do not benefit sufficiently from
hearing aids: This is a key criterion. If conventional
hearing aids, even powerful ones, cannot provide enough amplification or
clarity to allow for functional hearing and speech understanding, then a
cochlear implant may be considered.
·
Children with congenital hearing loss: Early implantation in deaf children is crucial for optimal speech and
language development. The brain's auditory pathways develop rapidly in early
childhood, and access to sound during this critical period is vital for
establishing neural connections necessary for language acquisition.
·
Adults who experienced hearing loss after developing
speech and language (post-lingual deafness): These
individuals often have an easier time adapting to the sound of a cochlear
implant because their brains have already experienced normal hearing and have
established neural pathways for processing speech.
·
Individuals with profound hearing loss in both ears: Bilateral implantation (implants in both ears) is becoming increasingly
common, offering advantages such as improved sound localization, better hearing
in noisy environments, and a more natural listening experience.
· Single-sided deafness (SSD): In some cases, cochlear implants are being explored for individuals with profound hearing loss in one ear, offering a potential solution for improved sound localization and reduction of the "head shadow" effect, where sounds from the deaf side are difficult to hear.
Using this devices could able to enhances once hearing and perceiving the spoken word in both quiet and noisy environment. Moreover, it reduces the emphasis on lips reading and benefits in perceiving the wider range of sounds. Despite being the devices to improve and helps in hearing it will never retain the natural hearing. people with cochlear implants needs a therapy for 3 to 4 month and gets fine with comprehending the sounds.
So, the cochlear implant is most beneficial for people of hearing problem to understand and receive the spoken messages.
References
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/cochlear-implants
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