The external part sits behind the ear. It picks up sounds with a microphone. It then processes the sound and transmits it to the internal part of the implant. If you or a loved one live with hearing loss and aren't getting enough benefit from hearing aids, a cochlear implant may help.A cochlear implant is a small, complex electronic device that can help to provide a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard-of-hearing. The implant consists of an external portion that sits behind the ear and a second portion that is surgically placed under the skin. A cochlear implant is a surgically placed device that helps a person with severe hearing loss hear sounds. A cochlear implant is a small, complex electronic device that can help to provide a sense of sound to a person who has severe to profound hearing loss. The standard surgical risks of a cochlear implant are all quite rare. These include: bleeding, infection, device malfunction, facial nerve weakness, ringing in the ear, dizziness, and poor hearing result. One long-term risk of a cochlear implant is meningitis (infection of the fluid around the brain). After cochlear implant surgery, your head will be wrapped in a bandage to protect the incision.May have to have it removed temporarily or permanently if an infection develops after the implant surgery .