The Hearing Aids Guide

About Cochlear Implants

Unlike a hearing aid, a cochlear implant does not amplify sound or make sound clearer. Instead, the implant actually bypasses the auditory system entirely and directly stimulates the auditory nerve. Cochlear implants allow persons who have severe hearing loss, damaged or diseased auditory structures, or who are partially deaf to hear sound.

A cochlear implant consists of electrodes implanted in the cochlea of the ear, an external microphone worn behind the ear to capture sounds, and a small signal processor unit worn on a belt or in a pocket. Electrical signals are transmitted through the skin via radio waves to the implanted electrodes. The electrodes stimulate the auditory nerves, which send information to the brain where it is interpreted as sound.

The total cost of a cochlear implant can reach $40,000 including evaluation, surgery, hardware and rehabilitation. Most insurance companies will cover the cost however.

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