Cochlear implant electronics made simple.

Abstract

Electronics used in cochlear implants are relatively straightforward. While all cochlear implants process signals by amplifying, compressing, filtering, and encoding them for transmission to and use by the receiver, there are significant electronic variations amongst cochlear implant systems. The evolving nature of cochlear implant research and development makes it difficult, at the least, to predict the optimum electronic configuration. Since the biologic system which this prosthesis replaces is subject to so many forms and degrees of pathology, there is likely no one best answer. Since their first use in 1957, cochlear implants have steadily evolved to their current state. Much is still unknown about the biologic system on which they operate. It is exciting to contemplate that this biologic system, even though damaged, may be made more understandable by the same device which restores some hearing function.