[Cochlear implants]

A cochlear implant is a technologically advanced medical device that simulates sound in the cochlea by electrically stimulating the hearing nerve. Cochlear implants are designed to help severely or totally deaf individuals who gain little or no benefit from hearing aids. Hearing aids and assistive listening devices amplify sounds. The sounds produced by even the most sophisticated hearing aids may not offer much benefit to people with a severe-to-profound or profound hearing loss in both ears. A cochlear implant is an electronic device that provides the function of the damaged or absent hair cells by providing electrical stimulation to the remaining nerve fibers. The implant provides useful hearing and improved communication abilities to the implant user.