Cochlear Implant Speech Processors

There are two types of cochlear implant speech processors; a behind-the-ear model (Nucleus 6 & 7, Med-El and Advanced Bionics) and an on-the-head model (Kanso). Most students have either a Nucleus 6 or Nucleus 7 speech processor.  

In all cases, there is a magnetized connection to the head (via a “coil” for Nucleus 6 & 7,  Med El, Advanced Bionics and via the processor itself for Kanso). The microphone on the speech processor picks up sound and voices close by and the sound then travels across the skin via either the coil or Kanso processor to the internal device.  The internal device is the part that has been surgically implanted into the mastoid bone  that is located on the head, behind the ear.  

Part of the internal device is an electrode array that is inserted into the cochlea (snail like looking part of the ear which is about the size of an eraser on top of a pencil). Once the electrode array is activated, it in turn sends the sound to the auditory nerve, which then carries the sound up to the brain. This all happens so fast that the brain does not even perceive a delay. 

All these devices run on either a rechargeable battery or disposable hearing aid batteries.  The batteries for the Kanso processor have to be changed at least every other day. It is the student’s/ family’s responsibility to make sure that their rechargeable battery is recharged at the end of each day and to bring a back-up rechargeable battery to school. 

Students with cochlear implants have severe to profound sensorineural hearing losses, which means they are unable to hear speech or environmental sounds unless they are using their devices. Although these devices allow students to hear quite well, it is important to keep in mind that they are listening through a microphone and not through a typical hearing system. For classroom settings or noisier or larger listening situations, the student will require a remote mic system so that the teacher’s or speaker’s voice can be heard clearly and easily.