A cochlear implant is an device that partially restores hearing. It are often an option for people that have severe deafness from inner-ear damage who are not any longer helped by using hearing aids. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, a cochlear implant bypasses damaged portions of the ear to deliver sound signals to the hearing (auditory) nerve. Cochlear implants use a sound processor that matches behind the ear. The processor captures sound signals and sends them to a receiver implanted under the
skin behind the ear. The receiver sends the signals to electrodes implanted within the snail-shaped internal ear (cochlea). The signals stimulate the auditory nerve, which then directs them to the brain. The
brain interprets those signals as sounds, though these sounds won't be just like normal hearing. Cochlear implant surgery is completed during a hospital or clinic. The surgery lasts two to four hours. You are given medication (general anesthesia) to make you sleep during the procedure.When leaving the hospital you will be given instructions on how to care for the incisions. You will also learn how to change dressings and care for your stitches. You may wash your ear as normal after each day or two. A follow-up appointment is formed for about one week later or at activation to examine the incisions and take away the stitches.
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