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Why Was the Bionic Ear Invented

The bionic ear is a medical device used to help hearing-impaired patients detect voices. It uses wires implanted in the inner ear. A computer worn by the patient receives data from the wires.

  1. History

    • "Bionic ear" is another name for a cochlear implant. The cochlea is part of the inner ear. Professor Graeme Clark and his team invented the tool in the 1970s in Melbourne, Australia.

    Function

    • The bionic ear consists of wires and an antenna that are implanted under the skin during a surgical procedure. A microphone worn outside the body picks up the sounds of voices.

    Popularity

    • As of 2007, more than 20,000 people worldwide used bionic ears.

    Limitations

    • The bionic ear is very helpful in picking up sounds of single voices. However, when multiple people are talking, the implant can help the patient hear only one voice at a time. Other sounds that occur together, such as musical instruments, are difficult for patients to differentiate with the bionic ear.

    Side Effects

    • The pain involved in the surgical procedure is comparable to that of a root canal. The pain typically dissipates in about a week.

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