The unit installed under the scalp and directly attached to the brain's hearing nerve centers is an inert device.
The 'external' device/processor attaches to the inner one by a strong magnet and it has a piece that looks much like an over the ear hearing aid. This contains the microphone and the battery pack and is attached to the external 'processor' with a small cord.
The external processor can be adjusted for volume and also 'mapped' by the audiologist' to transmit the signals to the brain receptors to maximize the hearing process.
This 'mapping' is what takes time after the device is activated.
Also since the brain's receptors on that side have been less than functional for so long the brain has to 'learn' that the signals it is receiving are actually sound waves and need to be processed as such.
For more information:
http://products.cochlearamericas.com/cochlear-implants/nucleus-5-systemTo be brutally honest, if you are not on Medicare or if you do not have very good health coverage you will likely not be able to afford the implant!
As best I have been able to learn this thing, "street price" is in the neighborhood of $60,000 for the surgery and the unit itself!!!
Thank God for Medicare and it was a fight by my Dr. to get it cleared.
I am thinking of starting a 'blog' about my "Cochlear Journey".
~~~GB~~~