To understand how a cochlear implant works, it is important to understand the structure of the ear and how it works.
Sound waves enter the ear canal and impact the ear drum (tympanic membrane). The ear drum transmits sound wave vibrations through the chain of three (3) middle ear bones made up of the hammer (malleus), anvil (incus), and stirrup (stapes). The stirrup passes the vibrations to the inner ear fluids within the cochlea. Fluid waves travel through two and a half (2½) turns of the cochlea, bending the cochlea hair cells as it goes by. The hair cells correspond to the frequency of the original sound waves, initiating signals within their corresponding nerve endings prior to sending them to the brain.