A cochlear implant is a tiny device that stimulates the cochlear nerve (the nerve that helps to hear) through electrical impulses. The implant has two parts. One that fits inside the ear while the other sits outside or behind the ear.The cochlear implant picks up the external noises from the microphone, processes the sound waves, and transmits them directly to the cochlear nerve. The inner part of the implant is surgically placed under the skin behind the ear. Thin wires and small electrodes are placed towards the cochlear nerve.The sounds and signals transmitted through the electrodes and wires hit the cochlear nerve, which in turn stimulates a hearing sensation in the brain cells.Cochlear implants are much different from hearing aids even though both devices aid in hearing.Hearing aids are devices that improve sounds or make sounds louder and do not aid speech understanding. On the other hand, cochlear implants improve speech understanding while helping restore normal hearing.Appropriate therapy and practice can help reap the healing benefits of cochlear implants. Even children and toddlers can learn to speak and listen well with an increased sound awareness in the environment and rehab therapy after cochlear implant surgery.

A hearing aid is a battery-operated electronic device that is placed in the ear for better hearing purposes. The hearing aid makes the sound louder and clear for the person to hear, communicate, and participate in regular activities. The hearing aids come in different types- can be placed in the ear, behind the ear, and analog and digital hearing aids. The hearing aid has three distinct parts.A MicrophoneAmplifierSpeakerThe working principle of a hearing aid is based on the working of these three basic parts of a hearing aid. The hearing aid receives sound through the microphone. The sound waves here are converted into electrical signals and transferred to the amplifier that multiplies the signal’s power. The amplified sound is passed into the ear through the speaker.

Mastoid Surgery or Mastoidectomy is a procedure that helps remove the diseased air cells. The mastoid bone is a part of the skull filled with air cells or hollow spaces that looks like a honeycomb. Mastoid surgery effectively clears off the diseased air cells and also removes the extra benign growths in the ear that can often spread the infection into the skull.