cochlear implant (hearing related)

A cochlear implant is a device that helps people who have severe hearing loss or deafness by directly stimulating the auditory nerve. It bypasses damaged parts of the inner ear (cochlea) and converts sound into electrical signals. These signals are sent to an electrode array implanted in the cochlea, which then stimulates the nerve fibers, allowing the brain to perceive sound. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants transform sound into electrical patterns, providing a sense of hearing for individuals who cannot benefit fully from traditional hearing devices.