An overview of the organ and treatments

Cochlear Implants


The cochlea is a delicate organ deep inside the ear, dealing with the vital sense sound. The cochlea translates sound waves into nerve impulses which are sent to the brain to be interpretated, analysed and stored.

The cochlea may be severely damaged by injury, disease and even by drug poisoning. Aspirin specifically attacks the cochlea; when taken the nerves in the ear become more sensitive to noise. Marked damage to this organ results in a deafness which cannot be helped by wearing a hearing aid, so no matter how high the sound is amplified the damaged cochlea is unable translate that sound into electrical impulses for the brain to process.

If even a small number of nerve fibres survive in the cochlea, it may be possible to stimulate them with a device called a cochlea implant. Under a general anaesthetic, the implant which consists of a small `receiver coil' is placed under the skin, out of sight behind the ear or even in the chest wall. Fine wires transmit the current to one or more minute electrodes, which the surgeon positions inside or outside the damaged cochlea. A tiny microphone, usually set into an ear mould, picks up sound waves which then pass through a small device called a sound processor, which controls the volume and tone of the received sound. This may be carried in a pocket or attached to a belt. The signals are then passed to a transmitter coil which sends the signal across the skin to the internally implanted 'receiver coil'.

As long as some intact nerve fibres are still functioning inside the cochlea, there stands a fairly reasonable chance that a type of hearing might be restored. Usually the wearer will be able to hear rhythms of speech and sometimes intonation of the speakers voice. Learning lip reading improves the deaf person's chances of taking part in conversations.

Not everyone is helped by a cochlear implant, and specialists are reluctant to predict whether this treatment will improve the hearing of everyone with cochlear damage. Some patients can be helped, whilst others gain nothing from the procedure.


IMPORTANT NOTICE : This content is from the Dr Chris Steele personal archive and is provided for convenience only. Information contained here may no longer agree with the most up to date medical advice. Please check with a medical professional before taking any action.

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