What is the primary function of cochlear implants?

The primary function of cochlear implants is to produce hearing sensations for individuals who are deaf or severely hard of hearing. Cochlear implants work by bypassing damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulating the auditory nerve. This stimulation allows the brain to perceive sound when traditional hearing aids are not effective. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants provide a different mechanism enabling individuals with significant hearing loss to experience sound in a more meaningful way, facilitating communication and interaction with their environment.

By directly transmitting sound signals to the auditory nerve, cochlear implants can open up possibilities for individuals to perceive sounds that they were previously unable to hear, leading to improved social interactions and access to auditory information. This function is fundamental to the device's design and purpose, distinguishing it from other options that either do not accurately represent the technology or do not target the specific needs of individuals with severe hearing loss.