Cochlear implants use a sound processor that fits behind the ear and pulls in sounds from outside the ear. It sends sound signals to a receiver that's been placed under the skin behind the ear. The receiver sends the sound signals down an attached thin wire.

While hearing aids amplify sound, cochlear implants bypass damaged portions of the inner ear and stimulate the auditory nerve directly. Cochlear implants have two primary components: (1) a surgically implanted receiver with an electrode array and (2) an external sound processor which can be worn on the ear or the head behind the ear.

Adjusts the sound processor to fit. Checks the parts of the cochlear implant to make sure they work. Finds out what sounds you or your child hears. Tells you how to care for and use the device. Sets the device so that you can hear your best. This involves training your brain to understand the sounds you hear through the cochlear implant.

Cochlear implants may be put in one ear, called unilateral. Some people have cochlear implants in both ears, called bilateral. Adults often have one cochlear implant and one hearing aid at first. Adults may then move to two cochlear implants as the hearing loss gets worse in the ear with the hearing aid.