Ms. Ears Questions and Answers

Questions about Cochlear Implants from real people and answered by real audiologists

QUESTION: What is cochlear implant surgery and how does it benefit a person? Also, I have no hearing in my right ear and only a little in my left. Can you explain the reason why, despite having no hearing in my right ear, it is constantly ringing?

ANSWER: First of all, a Cochlear Implant is "a device that delivers electrical stimulation to cranial nerve VIII (auditory nerve) via an electrode array surgically implanted in the cochlea; consists of a microphone, signal processor, and electrode system; used in cases of profound and total deafness" (Singular's illustrated Dictionary of Audiology). Also, take a look in our web site as we have a few great articles on cochlear implants. They can be found at:

• Bionic Ears--The Next Generation of Cochlear Implants
• New Cochlear Implant on Leading Edge
• Researchers Finding Ways to Make Cochlear Implants Better...

As to your second question, why does your ear ring even though you have no hearing? Well, the ringing in your ear can come from either the cochlea or from the nerves that travel to the brain or even from the brain itself. So, you can have cochlear damage keeping you from hearing, but you can still hear ringing. The impulses will be coming from the nerve pathway (closer to the brain) and will be interpreted by your brain as a ringing sound. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Ms. Ears.

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Here are some other great questions that real people have asked Ms. Ears.

• Hearing Aids
• Assistive Listening Devices (Ald's)
• General Hearing, Impairment and Protection
• Ringing / Buzzing in the Ear (Tinnitus)
• Ear Blockages, Ear Wax and Ear Infections (Middle Ear, Swimmers Ears, etc.)
• Hearing Tests (Audiograms, Tympanograms, etc.)
• Audiologists, Dispensers, Clinics, Doctors, ENT's and Specialists
• Parents, Childcare and Teachers
• Hearing Disorders
• Miscellaneous Hearing Trivia

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