WHAT IS A COCHLEAR IMPLANT?
How does it work?
A cochlear implant (CI) is a medical device that helps children and adults with moderate to profound hearing loss hear and understand speech more clearly. Unlike hearing aids that amplify sound, cochlear implants bypass damaged parts of the inner ear and stimulate the hearing nerve directly, allowing the brain to interpret sound signals.
At the Ear Institute, our cochlear implant program provides full support from assessment and surgery to rehabilitation, ensuring each patient receives expert guidance and long-term hearing improvement.
How Does a Cochlear Implant Work?
A cochlear implant consists of internal and external components that work together to restore hearing.
1
The Microphone captures sound waves, sending it onto the sound processor (2).
2
The sound waves are converted into detailed digital signals by the sound processor, and passed onto the headpiece (3).
3
The headpiece sends the digital signals to the cochlear implant and electrode array (4) in the inner ear.
4
The electrode array receives the digital signals, and in turn stimulates the hearing nerve (5).
5
The hearing nerve sends impulses to the brain, which interprets them as sounds.
Modern cochlear implant technology has advanced significantly over the past 30+ years, offering improved hearing clarity and connectivity options.
The CI (Cochlear Implant) Team
To determine if you are a suitable candidate for a cochlear implant, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted by our team of CI experts.
Candidacy for a cochlear implant is evaluated by a multidisciplinary team of professionals, consisting of audiologists, rehabilitation specialists, surgeons and other medical experts.
We also have a full-time fundraiser at the Ear Institute who assists families with fundraising activities for cochlear implants, if required.
The team will assess the type and level of hearing impairment, as well as evaluate how well you or your child’s hearing performs with hearing aids.
For any inquiries or if you require further details regarding cochlear implants, please reach out to our Cochlear Implant clinics today.
Cochlear Implant Clinic, Bellville
Cochlear Implant Clinic, Pretoria
Book your hearing test today
We charge medical aid rates and will assist you with your medical aid claim.
If you prefer, we also offer a cash option of R744.00.
Take the first step today.