CI Basics
Key Takeaways
A cochlear implant, or CI, is a device that provides a person who is deaf or has hearing loss with access to sound.
Wear your cochlear implant as much as possible during waking hours, and practice listening and engaging in conversations.
Overview
A cochlear implant, or CI, is a device that provides a person who is deaf or has hearing loss with access to sound. A cochlear implant bypasses damaged or nonfunctioning parts of the ear to create a representation of sound for the user, however it does not restore hearing or cure hearing loss. This is much different than a hearing aid, which amplifies existing hearing.
Although cochlear implants provide access to sound, cochlear implant users’ brains must learn how to interpret what they hear as meaningful information. This is hard work for the cochlear implant user, their families, friends, and the experts helping them with this process, but gets easier over time and with practice. You can use online tools to help you practice listening and comprehending sounds and speech. Click here to learn more about listening training programs.
Your cochlear implant has many parts, including a transmitter or headpiece, microphone, receiver, processor, batteries, and electrode array. To learn about the different parts of a cochlear implant and how they work together, watch the video below.
It is important to take care of your cochlear implant. Most processors are not waterproof, so remove yours before taking a shower or entering a pool. You should also exercise caution when in environments with high humidity or extreme temperatures. High humidity may cause you to sweat, and get your processor wet. Your processor also cannot withstand extreme temperatures. For example, leaving your cochlear implant in a hot car could cause damage. Additionally, your cochlear implant has a magnet, so your cochlear implant may attach to metallic objects. Visit the maintenance section to learn more.
