If you want to expand communication options, or if hearing instruments just are not enough, the time might be right to explore a cochlear implant. The Nucleus Freedom cochlear implant system can help connect you to a world of sound.
Simply put, a cochlear implant is a technological triumph.  It's the only medical device designed to restore a human sense. It’s an alternative to traditional solutions like hearing instruments, which often provide little or no benefit for someone with a severe-to-profound hearing loss.
The Nucleus Freedom cochlear implant system is comprised of a few different parts that work together to help you hear.

1. Freedom BTE sound processor

2. Cable and Coil

The Nucleus Freedom implant with Contour Advance electrode is the internal part of the system.  It includes an electrode array which, when inserted into the cochlea (inner ear), by passes the damaged hair cells and stimulates the hearing nerve directly.

The Nucleus Freedom Diagram

 

1. The Ear hook is soft and comfortable, and sits on top of the ear to hold the sound processor securely in place.

2. The Processing Unit houses the main "computer" for the sound processing system.  It easily attaches to a Behind-the-Ear option (as shown) or to a small connector that works with the Body worn controller. It features microphones that help to pick up sound from speech and from the environment.

3. BTE Controller Option sits behind the ear and features buttons which allow you to adjust volume, programs and sensitivity.

4. Coil/Cable unit connects the sound processing unit to the implant on the other side of the skin.  It helps transmitting the electric impulses that enable you to hear.

5. The Magnet sits in the middle of the Coil and connects with a magnet on the other side of the skin. This connection between the two magnets helps conducting sound to your hearing nerve.

6. Cochlear Implant body is made of titanium and silicone, and is the most reliable cochlear implant available today. 

7. The Electrode Array extends from the main body of the implant into the Cochlea.  This is the main piece of the implant that delivers sound to your hearing nerve.

Benefits of a cochlear implant:

While a cochlear implant provides a wealth of opportunities, it is important to remember that everyone is unique, and outcomes may vary from one person to another.
For some, understanding speech and sound takes therapy and practice. The brain needs time to adjust to hearing with the cochlear implant. It is typical for hearing performance to improve gradually with time and use.

Nucleus® Freedom™ is designed to mirror natural hearing

The human ear is amazing. Do you know that the human ear is made up of the smallest bones in the body, is full size at birth, and that the cochlea is just the size of a pea?
Nucleus® Freedom™ works by picking up sound through  tiny microphones on the sound processor, and converting it into digital signals. The implant (internal component) uses those signals to stimulate hearing nerve in your inner ear - which is how you hear sound.

How Nucleus® Freedom™ works

1. Sound processor: 
 External sound processor captures sound and converts it into digital  signals.

2. Digital signals:       
 Processor sends digital signals to internal implant.

3. Electrode array:      
Internal implant converts signals into electrical energy, sending it to an electrode array inside the cochlea.

4. Hearing nerve:        
Electrodes stimulate hearing nerve, bypassing damaged hair cells, and the brain perceives signals as sound.