It is not a hearing aid. On the left side is the speech processor unit, which is worn behind the ear. On the right side is the electrode array, which is implanted in the ear. On the left side is the body-worn speech processor unit. On the right side is the electrode array, which is implanted in the ear.
Cochlear implants consist of an internal component and external equipment.
The internal component is implanted completely under the skin behind the ear. The external equipment is worn outside of the body. It consists of a microphone, a speech processor and a transmitter. The speech processor converts the sounds into digital signals and sends the information back through the cable to a transmitter. The transmitter is positioned on the head directly over the internal component and is held in place next to the ear by a magnet.