Basic neurophysiology of cochlear-implants.
Cochlear implants work because the fibers of the auditory nerve can be stimulated electrically. Currently used multi-channel electrodes distribute the stimuli to different cochlear places (place principle) and provide information on the fine-time structure of the acoustic stimulus thus allowing periodicity analysis by the central nervous system. The paper treats the limitations of current cochlear implant technologies and discusses conceivable improvements.
Klinke
R
R
J. W. Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Hartmann
R
R
D001306:Auditory Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D003638:Deafness / Q000601:surgery*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D006801:Humans; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000502:physiology*; D000159:Vestibulocochlear Nerve / Q000502:physiology*