A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that helps "make" sound. The implant does the job of the damaged or absent nerve cells that make it possible to hear. It can improve how well you hear. It doesn't make sounds louder, like hearing aids do.

A cochlear implant has parts that go inside and outside the ear. They include:

• A microphone to pick up sound. It's worn behind the ear.
• A speech processor. It's worn on the body or behind the ear.
• A small device with electrodes placed inside the inner ear, in the cochlea. This is the implant.

The parts can be programmed to your needs and your degree of hearing loss.

In children, cochlear implants can help with speech development and reduce a child's reliance on other communication methods. In adults, they can help with:

• Communication.
• Navigation.
• Social isolation.
• Cognitive decline.
• Overall quality of life.

When you have surgery to get a cochlear implant, the doctor places a cut (incision) behind the ear. The implant is placed inside in the inner ear. You can often go home the same day or the next day.

After surgery, you'll have mild to moderate pain in and around the ear. You may have a headache for a few days. Swelling in the area will last 3 to 5 weeks. The incision behind the ear will leave a scar that fades over time. There will be a small device worn outside the ear. It's turned on after you've completely healed in about 3 to 6 weeks.

After you've healed, your doctor will turn on the implant. You can work with an audiologist to tune your device so that it works best for you.

Hearing loss affects people differently. A cochlear implant can also change the way you hear. Your experience depends on several things, including how bad your hearing loss is. It also depends on your lifestyle, communication needs, and environment.

After the implant is placed, sounds will not be the same. You'll need to train your brain to adjust to the new sounds it hears with the implant. You'll also need time to tune your device so that it's working well for you.

Here's how you can expect sounds to change with a cochlear implant:

• General sounds. Sounds around you may not sound like you remember. Sounds may sound similar to each other.
• Speech. Speech may also sound different. Learning to read lips can improve your ability to hear. You may need to work with a speech therapist.
• Background noise. This makes listening to speech harder. People with normal hearing have this problem too, but they can "tune out" the noise. When you lose your hearing, you also lose the ability to tune out background sounds.
• Music. Music with more than one instrument or voice may not be pleasant. Many people report that music can sound like static. If you enjoy music, try listening to a single instrument or voice.

It takes a few weeks to adjust to new sounds. Here are some tips for adjusting:

• Practice listening and speaking. Practicing daily can really help. You can also try a rehabilitation program.
• Be consistent. You’re training your brain to understand new sounds. Consistent use of your device can help your brain adjust. Try to use your device for at least 10 hours a day.
• Go to follow-up care appointments. This can help you have success with your new implant. Children can have their external devices checked at least twice a year. Adults can have their devices checked every year.