A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that electrically stimulates the cochlear nerve (nerve for hearing). The implant has external and internal parts. 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.