Cochlear Implants

A cochlear implant, also known as a bionic ear, is used to treat severe hearing loss. It is recommended in cases where hearing aids provide no benefit and sound is barely perceptible.

As the name suggests, the implant is placed in the snail-shaped structure in the inner ear called the cochlea. The cochlea converts pressure waves into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the brain and interpreted as sound.

In normal hearing, the outer ear collects sound waves and channels them into the ear canal; the three small bones of the middle ear — the hammer, anvil, and stirrup — convert these into pressure waves and send them to the cochlea. When the cochlea is damaged and can no longer function, a cochlear implant becomes an option.

The implant is placed to take over the cochlea's function: a microphone in the device processes incoming sound signals and sends them to electrodes in the inner ear, which relay the signals to the auditory nerve, allowing the person to hear.

The procedure requires surgery to place the device in the inner ear region. It is used when hearing loss is severe and hearing aids no longer provide adequate benefit; it is a particularly important option for children with hearing loss that risks affecting speech and language development.

The patient's age and general health are also factors in determining suitability for the implant. In Turkey, the Social Security Institution can help cover the cost of a cochlear implant provided a medical board report is obtained.