What Is The Purpose Of The External Component Of The Cochlear Implant?
A7. The external part converts sound waves into electric signals. It consists of a microphone, a small speech processor and an external coil (see diagram of cochlear implant system). The microphone picks up the sound waves and transforms them into weak electric signals. The speech processor modifies these electric signals. They are then sent to the external coil via a cable. If the external coil is placed over the internal coil, signals will be transmitted through the intact skin to the implant and electrode array. In this way the auditory nerve is stimulated, which results in acoustic sensations.
