Cochlear Implants

What are Cochlear Implants?

Cochlear implants, like hearing aids, assist those with impaired hearing. This device is surgically inserted into the cochlea, or inner ear, accessing the auditory nerves.

Device structure

Implants have three main components. First an audio processor placed behind the ear receives. The processor connects to a transmitter either housed with the processor or connected further behind the ear. Lastly a receiver, housed inside the ear, sends out data received as signals the auditory nerves can perceive via connected electrodes.

Hearing Aids VS. Cochlear Implants.

There are several differences between implants and aids but here are a few.

• Both internal and external variants on the market

• Placement in ear

• Pricing

• susceptibility to clogging

• sound transfer methods

• Surgery requirements

• Maintenance requirements

How do these implants relate to analog and power systems?

Cochlear implants are characterized by their ability to provide auditory stimulation to individuals who possess little to no hearing. A microphone is used to sense analog waves[1] and the auditory processor converts those waves into electrical impulses that stimulates the cochlea. In a wholistic view, a cochlear implant acts as an analog to digital converter(ADC)

The figure[2] above is a brief diagram of the auditory recognition portion of a cochlear implant. Here we observe that these devices include several ADC's to maximize information sensed from a given audio signal. These ADCs eventually lead to the digital processor unit that sends out electrical signals captured and dictate the electrical impulses transmitted by the electrode array to the damaged cochlea.

What challenges do these implants face today?

The main issues that these implants face are due to complications during and after surgery. When implanted the user can suffer from skin rash, tinnitus, and inflammation around the area. In some cases the patient even loses what remains of their hearing in that ear.

Resources / Links:

• [1]https://www.sciencefriday.com/educational-resources/cochlear-implants-hearing-aids-sound-like/

• [2]https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Analog-Integrated-Circuit-and-System-Design-for-a-Ngamkham/f91ce540ef37248ff306d149ddd04e90d81a6b17/figure/0

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cochlear-implants/about/pac-20385021

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/in-depth/hearing-aids/art-20044116

• https://themighty.com/2017/04/cochlear-implant-pros-and-cons/