![\"\"](\"https:\/\/chsstl.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Picture1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nA cochlear implant system is comprised of both internal and external parts. The external sound processor, which looks very similar to a behind-the-ear hearing aid or can be worn off the ear, captures sounds and converts them into digital information. That information is then sent to the internal implant, which is surgically inserted into the inner ear. The tiny electrode sends signals directly to the hearing nerve and bypasses damaged hair cells in order for the brain to interpret each sound individually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are numerous questions that I\u2019m sure you will have if your audiologist recommends a cochlear implant or you\u2019ve done some research on your own and plan to bring it up at your next appointment. If there is one thing I want to stress it\u2019s that you are not alone in this journey. You have a team of people ready to support and guide you through the process of evaluation, implantation and rehabilitation. But one of the most important members of that team is you. The decision to get a cochlear implant is one that ultimately you need to make for yourself, because you value and desire the ability to connect with your world to the best of your ability. Like every journey it will require patience, hard work and consistent, collaborative care with your audiologist. Regardless of all the testing and measurements that I put my patients through, I\u2019ve never found a way to quantify the value of a smile or tears of joy as they share with me descriptions of their new quality of life after implantation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n