Cochlear Implants
by yeabsira
content
History
What are Cochlear Implants?
How Do They Work?
The device used
The Bio-material used
Costs of Cochlear Implants
Advantage of Cochlear Implants
Risks of Cochlear Implants
Conclusion
Introduction
• A cochlear implant is a medical device that helps individuals with
severe or profound hearing loss to hear again. It directly stimulates
the auditory nerve with electrical signals, bypassing the damaged
parts of the inner ear. The device consists of several components,
including an external speech processor, an implanted
receiver/stimulator, and an electrode array. Cochlear implants are
highly effective for people who have not benefited from other
treatments, providing a life-changing solution for those who would
otherwise be unable to hear.
History
• The history of the cochlear implant dates back to the late 1800s when
scientists began to understand the basics of how the ear functions.
• The first attempts to develop a cochlear implant occurred in the
1950swhen researchers in France and the United States began to
explore the idea of using electrical stimulation to bypass damaged or
non-functioning parts of the ear
• In 1957, French otologist André Djourno and engineer Charles Eyriès
implanted the first cochlear implant in a patient, using a device that
was connected to an external microphone and transmitter.
cont
• In the following years, researchers continued to improve upon the
cochlear implant design and develop new techniques for stimulating
the auditory nerve
• In the 1970s, cochlear implants began to be used more widely, and
the first multichannel implant was developed by Australian
researchers in 1978.
What are Cochlear Implants?
• Cochlear implants are electronic medical devices that are surgically
implanted into the inner ear. They are used to provide a sense of
sound to individuals who are severely hard of hearing or completely
deaf.
• The implants use electrodes to directly stimulate the auditory nerve,
allowing the user to perceive sound. This technology has drastically
improved over the years, and many people are now able to use them
to hear sounds and even understand speech.
How Do They Work?
• Cochlear implants have an
external microphone and
processor, and an internal
implant with electrodes. The
microphone and processor pick
up sound, convert it into
electrical signals, and send it to
the implant. The implant then
sends the signals to the auditory
nerve, allowing the user to
perceive sound.
cont
• The implants also come with a
speech processor, which helps
the user to understand speech
by providing them with
additional information about the
sound they are hearing.
The device used in cochlear
.
• External microphone: The microphone picks up sound from the environment and
sends it to the speech processor.
• Speech processor: The speech processor is a small electronic device that is worn
behind the ear. It receives sound from the microphone and converts it into electrical
signals.
• Transmitter: The transmitter is a small coil that is located on the scalp. It receives the
electrical signals from the speech processor and sends them through the skin to the
internal receiver/stimulator.
• Internal receiver/stimulator: The receiver/stimulator is implanted under the skin
behind the ear. It receives the electrical signals from the transmitter and sends them
to an array of electrodes that are surgically placed in the cochlea, the inner ear.
The Bio-material used
• The biomaterials used in cochlear implants include silicone, titanium,
and platinum. Silicone is used for the external parts of the device,
such as the microphone cover and the cable, because it is
biocompatible, flexible, and resistant to moisture.
• Titanium is used for the implantable parts of the device, such as the
receiver/stimulator, because it is biocompatible, strong, and
lightweight.
• Platinum is used for the electrodes because it is biocompatible and
has good electrical conductivity.
cont
• several studies has investigated
the bio compatablity of cochlear
implants and the overall
consensus is that they are safe
and well-tolerated by the
body.however,some patients
may experience complications
such as
• infection
• implant failure
• skin irritation
Costs of Cochlear Implants
• The cost of a cochlear implant can vary depending on several factors
and may range from $60,000 to $100,000 or more in the United
States. Insurance may cover some or all of the cost, and financial
assistance may be available.
• It is important to discuss the cost with a healthcare provider and
insurance company to understand the options and financial
responsibilities.
Advantage of Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants have improved the lives of many people who are
deaf or hard of hearing. They provide a sense of sound that allows the
user to communicate more effectively and participate in activities that
they may have been unable to do before.
The implants can also help the user to understand speech more clearly,
and can even help them to learn a new language.
The benefit of cochlear implants include
improved hearing and communcation ablility
increased quality of lifeand better social and emotional well-being
Risks of Cochlear Implants
• Cochlear implants are generally safe, but there are some risks
associated with the procedure. These include infection, bleeding, and
damage to the facial nerve. It is important to discuss the risks with
your doctor before undergoing the procedure.
• It is also important to note that the implants do not restore normal
hearing. The user may still have difficulty understanding speech in
noisy environments, and may need to use additional devices to help
them communicate.
cont..
The drawbacks include the risk of complication such as :
The cost of the device and
the need for regular follow up visits with in audiologist or surgeon
additionally some individuals may prefer to use other hearing aids
that are less invasive or less expensive.
Justify materials used in cochlear
• The materials used in cochlear implants are justified based on their
biocompatibility, physical characteristics, and suitability for
processing. Silicone is an excellent choice for the external parts of the
device because it is flexible and can be easily molded into different
shapes. Titanium is a good choice for the implantable parts because it
is strong and lightweight, which reduces the risk of implant migration
or extrusion. Platinum is an ideal material for the electrodes because
it is biocompatible and has good electrical conductivity
Conclusion
• Cochlear implants have improved the lives of many people who are
deaf or hard of hearing. They can provide a sense of sound, allow the
user to communicate more effectively, and even help them to
understand speech more clearly.
• It is important to discuss the risks and costs of the procedure with
your doctor before undergoing the procedure. With the right support,
cochlear implants can be a life-changing experience for many people.
