What are the four main components of a cochlear implant?

• A. Speech processor, transmitter coil, receiver-stimulator, and electrode array.
• B. Speech processor, microphone, and battery.
• C. Transmitter coil, receiver-stimulator, and electrode array.
• D. Speech processor, transmitter coil, electrode array, and battery.

Answer: (A)

The four main components of a cochlear implant are a speech processor, transmitter coil, receiver-stimulator, and electrode array. The speech processor sits externally and handles sound processing, turning acoustic signals into a coded digital signal. A microphone on the processor captures sound, and the processor converts it into a format suitable for wireless transmission. The transmitter coil sits against the scalp and sends the coded signal through the skin to the implanted receiver-stimulator. The receiver-stimulator, implanted under the skin, decodes the signal and drives the electrode array placed inside the cochlea. The electrode array then stimulates auditory nerve fibers to convey sound information to the brain. The external battery powers the speech processor, but it isn’t counted as a separate main component of the implanted system.