What is a Cochlear Implant and how does it work?

Sound Processor/Headpiece
Sound Processor/Headpiece
Side Image (click to enlarge)
1 MICROPHONE
The cochlear implant system captures the sound around you with one or more microphones. Advanced Bionics has microphones on the front and back of the processor, in the headpiece and positioned at the opening of the ear canal.
 
2 SOUND PROCESSOR
Our sound processors use the industry’s most advanced technology to make hearing easier and include the only sound processing strategy in the industry recognized by the FDA to improve speech understanding in noise.
 
3 HEADPIECE
Processed sound is transmitted through the headpiece to the implant. Advanced Bionics implant systems feature the most advanced sound processing circuitry in the world, with programming flexibility that provides nearly unlimited ways to deliver sound.


Bottom Image (click to enlarge)
1 IMPLANT
The implant is made up of several components: The electrode array; the electronics package; the receiver coil; and the magnet.
 
2 ELECTRODE ARRAY
Designed to be inserted into the cochlea1, the electrodes deliver 120 spectral bands of sound to help you understand speech and enjoy music.2
 
3 MAGNET
Provides a reliable connection to the external headpiece. The HiRes Ultra 3D implant provides a hassle free MRI experience, even at powerful 3T scans.
Implant/Electrode
Implant/Electrode