How a Cochlear Implant Works by Advanced Bionics

Summary

This video introduces the cochlear implant system, explaining how its various components work together to bypass the cochlea and help individuals hear by sending sound directly to the hearing nerve. It starts with microphones capturing sound, which is then processed into digital signals and transmitted to the implant. The implant stimulates the hearing nerve, allowing the brain to interpret the signals as sound. Ideal for those who no longer benefit from hearing aids, cochlear implants offer a life-changing opportunity for individuals to hear again or for the first time. Advanced Bionics is dedicated to helping people live without the limitations of hearing loss.

Takeaways

• 😀 A cochlear implant system includes multiple technologies that work together to help people hear by bypassing the cochlea.
• 😀 The process starts with high-fidelity CI microphones that pick up sounds at the opening of the ear canal for natural listening.
• 😀 The processor, worn over the ear, converts sounds into digital signals for further processing.
• 😀 The headpiece transmits these digital signals to the connected implant, which then passes the electrical signal to the CI electrodes.
• 😀 The electrodes directly stimulate the hearing nerve, allowing sound signals to be sent to the brain.
• 😀 The brain interprets these impulses as sound, allowing people to hear.
• 😀 Cochlear implants offer hearing possibilities to those who no longer benefit from hearing aids.
• 😀 Advanced Bionics offers cochlear implant technology that helps people hear again or for the first time.
• 😀 The CI system is designed to provide the most natural listening experience possible.
• 😀 Cochlear implants help overcome the limitations of hearing loss, improving the quality of life for users.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of a cochlear implant system?

The main purpose of a cochlear implant system is to bypass the cochlea and help individuals hear by sending sound directly to the hearing nerve.

How do the high-fidelity CI microphones contribute to the hearing process?

The high-fidelity CI microphones pick up sounds at the opening of the ear canal, providing the most natural listening experience for the user.

What role does the processor play in a cochlear implant system?

The processor, worn over the ear, converts the sounds captured by the microphones into digital signals.

How does the headpiece in the cochlear implant system function?

The headpiece transmits the digital signals from the processor to the connected implant.

What happens after the implant receives the signals from the headpiece?

The implant passes the electrical signals to the CI electrodes in the inner ear, which then stimulate the hearing nerve.

What is the function of the CI electrodes in the inner ear?

The CI electrodes directly stimulate the hearing nerve, which is essential for sending sound signals to the brain.

How does the hearing nerve contribute to the cochlear implant process?

The hearing nerve receives signals from the implant and sends electrical impulses to the brain, where they are interpreted as sounds.

What benefit does cochlear implant technology provide to people with hearing loss?

For individuals who no longer benefit from hearing aids, cochlear implant technology allows them to hear again or for the first time.

What is the philosophy of Advanced Bionics regarding hearing loss?

At Advanced Bionics, the belief is that everyone can live without the limitations of hearing loss.

How does the cochlear implant system offer a natural listening experience?

The system offers a natural listening experience by using high-fidelity microphones that capture sounds and transmit them to the user in a way that mimics normal hearing.