Why is the cochlear implant called the bionic ear?
The cochlear implant is called the bionic ear because it uses electronics to do the work of damaged parts of the inner ear, turning sound into electrical signals that stimulate the hearing nerve.
The word bionic describes artificial devices that replace or enhance natural body functions. The term became popular in the 1970s through television shows such as The Six Million Dollar Man.
In a healthy ear, tiny hair cells in the cochlea convert sound vibrations into nerve signals. In many types of severe deafness, these hair cells are damaged, so sound cannot reach the brain.
How it works
A cochlear implant bypasses the damaged hair cells. A microphone picks up sound, a processor converts it into a code, and a transmitter sends it through the skin to an implant, which stimulates the hearing nerve with electrodes.
People with implants hear sounds differently from natural hearing, and they need training to understand speech. Children implanted early often develop strong spoken language.
Australian surgeon Graeme Clark developed the multi-channel implant in Melbourne in the 1970s.
Did You Know?
Cochlear implants are now used by people of all ages, from babies to older adults.