If your child has severe to profound hearing loss, cochlear implants may offer a groundbreaking way to enhance their ability to hear and communicate. Unlike traditional hearing aids that amplify sounds, cochlear implants bypass the damaged parts of the ear and send signals directly to the auditory nerve. This innovative technology can significantly improve a child’s speech development, social interactions, and overall quality of life.
I. Understanding How Cochlear Implants Work
Cochlear implants consist of two primary components:
- External Sound Processor – Positioned behind the ear, it captures sound, converts it into electrical signals, and transmits them to the internal implant. - Internal Implant – Surgically placed under the skin, it stimulates the auditory nerve, allowing the brain to process sound signals effectively.
By directly sending auditory information to the brain, cochlear implants enable children with profound hearing loss to perceive sounds that traditional hearing aids cannot provide.