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What's a Cochlear Implant? (Video)

Medically reviewed by: William J. Parkes, IV, MD

What's a Cochlear Implant?

A cochlear implant is a surgically placed device that helps a person with severe hearing loss hear sounds.

Cochlear implants let someone sense sound that they couldn't hear otherwise. Infants who never heard before soon will build new brain pathways to start to make sense of these sounds. With therapy and practice, all kids can learn how to interpret these sounds to better understand speech.

  • 45-Second Summary: Cochlear Implant

    45-Second Summary: Cochlear Implant

    Learn the basics in 45 seconds.

Medically reviewed by: William J. Parkes, IV, MD
Date reviewed: January 2022