Cochlear implants are revolutionary devices designed to provide a sense of sound to individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. Among the various types of cochlear implants, skull cochlear implants have emerged as a groundbreaking solution, offering improved stability and functionality. Let's delve into the intricacies of skull cochlear implants to better understand their significance and impact.
Anatomy and Functionality:
- The skull cochlear implant comprises an external sound processor and an internal receiver-stimulator device.
- Unlike traditional cochlear implants, which utilize an electrode array implanted within the cochlea, skull cochlear implants utilize a different approach. The internal device is placed directly on the skull bone behind the ear.
- The sound processor captures sounds, converts them into electrical signals, and transmits them wirelessly to the internal device, which then stimulates the auditory nerve, bypassing damaged or non-functional parts of the inner ear.