Appendix B
Cochlear implants
and hearing
227
People are able to hear sounds because
a part of the ear called the ‘cochlea’ sends
signals about sound to the brain. If a
person’s cochlea is damaged, he will not
be able to hear well.
A cochlear implant operation is a
new way to help deaf children hear
sound. Though it is very expensive, this
operation is now available in many
countries.
To give someone an ‘artificial cochlea’,
the bones of his head must be cut open in
an operation. A small piece of equipment
called a ‘cochlear implant’ is inserted
inside the innermost part of the ear.
the inside of the ear
cochlea
The cochlea is a small part of
the ear inside the head. It is
shaped like a snail’s shell.
parts of a cochlear implant
Part of the cochlear implant
is inside the head. Other parts
are worn outside the head
like a hearing aid.
parts of the
cochlear implant
outside the head
parts inside
the head