What part of the ear does the cochlear implant bypass?

The cochlear implant is designed to bypass the damaged parts of the ear, specifically the hair cells in the cochlea that are not functioning properly due to sensorineural hearing loss. While the device does interface with structures in the ear, its primary function is to directly stimulate the auditory nerve, which necessitates bypassing the impaired elements of the ear responsible for converting sound vibrations into neural signals.

By focusing on the damaged parts of the ear, the cochlear implant can restore some level of hearing for individuals who do not benefit from traditional hearing aids. This is particularly relevant for those whose inner ear (cochlea) has sustained significant damage, as traditional hearing aids amplify sound but cannot effectively address the underlying issues of sensorineural hearing loss. In this context, the cochlear implant's ability to work around the malfunctioning components of the auditory system is what distinguishes it from other forms of assistive listening devices.