What Is a Cochlear Implant?
A cochlear implant is an advanced hearing device designed to assist individuals with severe or profound hearing loss. It is often considered when hearing aids no longer provide sufficient benefit, helping users better detect and interpret sounds in everyday situations. This form of surgery can potentially benefit a wide range of patients, from infants born with hearing loss to older adults; however, this is dependent on their medical evaluation and hearing condition.
In Singapore, a cochlear implant surgery is performed by an ENT specialist doctor trained in managing complex hearing conditions. To understand how cochlear implants help, it is important to first consider the nature of sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss occurs when the cochlea, the inner-ear organ responsible for detecting sound, is damaged and cannot effectively stimulate the auditory nerve. As a result, sound signals fail to reach the brain, leading to significant hearing difficulties. A cochlear implant addresses this by bypassing the damaged parts of the cochlea and transmitting sound information directly to the auditory nerve.
This advanced technology offers a different way for the brain to receive and interpret sound, supporting improved hearing perception for suitable candidates. In the next section, we will explain how a cochlear implant works and the process involved in greater detail.