Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants are tiny electronic devices embedded into the spiral of the cochlea (inner ear) in surgery that has been simplified in recent years.
They replace the function of the inner ear by sending sounds in the form of electrical signals from an external microphone, directly to the hearing nerve and to the brain through a wire called an electrode.
Deaf children can receive cochlear implants (CIs) from a very young age – ideally before the age of five, if spoken language has not been acquired. CIs are best for children with a severe or profound deafness in both ears.
Cochlear implants consist of both internally implanted and externally-worn components. The external parts are taken off at night when your child goes to sleep (like a hearing-aid), goes swimming or engages in contact sports.
Information on cochlear implants in Ireland is available from:
The National Cochlear Implant Programme at Beaumont Hospital
Helping Deaf Children To Hear And Talk - a booklet by the NCIP
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