Cochlear Implant (Bionic Ear): What Is It and How Does It Work?
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Who can benefit from a cochlear implant? Is there an age limit?
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How is the surgery performed?
A cochlear implant is a medically advanced electronic device that restores hearing in patients with severe to profound hearing loss. It consists of two main components: an internal part implanted surgically and an external sound processor that attaches via a magnet. The external component picks up sound from the environment through a microphone, converts it into electrical signals, and transmits them to the internal part, which stimulates the auditory nerve.
Who can benefit from a cochlear implant? Is there an age limit?
In general, all patients with hearing loss severe enough not to benefit from conventional hearing aids are candidates for cochlear implants. These patients are typically divided into two groups:
- Prelingual hearing loss: Individuals born with hearing loss or who lost their hearing in early infancy before speech development.
- Postlingual hearing loss: Individuals who developed speech and language skills but experienced progressive hearing loss later in life.
In Türkiye, the minimum age for cochlear implantation is 12 months, though some international centers may perform the procedure as early as 9 months. There is no upper age limit as long as the patient’s overall health is suitable for surgery.
How is the surgery performed?
Before surgery, all patients undergo comprehensive audiological evaluations and radiological imaging to confirm candidacy. Once deemed suitable, anesthesia preparation and surgical planning are carried out.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia through an incision made behind the ear. The electrode array of the internal component is inserted into the cochlea (inner ear), while the receiver-stimulator is placed beneath the skin, behind and above the ear. Functionality of the implant is confirmed intraoperatively via various measurements.
Postoperatively, patients are observed in the hospital for 1–2 days. The external sound processor is fitted and activated approximately 3–4 weeks after surgery, once the surgical site has healed and swelling has subsided.
Will the patient hear immediately after the external processor is activated?
Yes, once the external processor is connected, the implant begins to stimulate the auditory nerve and the brain receives sound signals. However, the sounds heard through a cochlear implant are initially different from natural hearing.
The brain gradually learns to interpret these signals as meaningful sounds. This adaptation period varies from person to person and depends on factors such as whether the hearing loss is prelingual or postlingual, the duration of deafness, and the extent of auditory rehabilitation received.
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
