What is the primary goal of cochlear implants?

The primary goal of cochlear implants is to provide direct stimulation to the auditory nerve. Cochlear implants bypass damaged or non-functioning hair cells in the cochlea, which are responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that the brain interprets as sound. Instead, cochlear implants convert sounds into electrical impulses that are sent directly to the auditory nerve, allowing individuals with profound hearing loss to perceive sounds.

This technology is particularly beneficial for those who cannot benefit sufficiently from traditional hearing aids, which primarily amplify sound but do not convert it into electrical signals. While cochlear implants do improve hearing capabilities significantly, especially for speech recognition, they do not necessarily replace hair cells or enhance hearing ability in noisy environments in the same manner that hearing aids do. The focus on direct auditory nerve stimulation is what sets cochlear implants apart as a solution for severe hearing impairment.