Cochlear Implants: Audiologic Management

Cochlea is a coiled sensory structure that is present in the inner ear and plays a significant role in hearing. This sensory structure is stimulated by the cochlear nerve, which bifurcates from the larger vestibulocochlear nerve and serves as the primary fiber for the relay of electrical impulses transferring information about sound from the external environment to the auditory nucleus, or sound-processing centre of the brain. An electrical device inserted surgically into the human ear that enables hearing impaired people to detect sound is called a cochlear implant. Adults affected by extreme sensorineural hearing loss often use these implants. There are certain drawbacks associated with the implantation procedure such as a person may experience complete hearing loss in the affected ear. Infection, numbness around the ear, tinnitus, and implant failure are some other side effects related with cochlear implant. Improvements in electrode technologies and device materials have lowered the risk of infection caused by these implants. This book is compiled in such a manner, that it will provide in-depth knowledge about cochlear implants. It aims to equip students and experts with the advanced topics and upcoming concepts on these implants.