A cochlear implant is a small, complex electronic device that helps provide a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing, and on whom hearing aids cannot confer any benefit. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, a cochlear implant bypasses damaged portions of the ear to deliver sound signals to the hearing (auditory) nerve.

Potential candidates for cochlear implant undergo a rigorous schedule of regular audiology, speech and language therapy, and psychological assessments before undergoing surgery. Post-surgery too, they must adhere to a rehabilitation plan to learn how to use their implants to interpret noise into coherent sounds.