A cochlear implant is a small, complex electronic device that helps people develop their sense of sound. This device provides direct electrical stimulation to the auditory nerve of the individual's inner ear. Typically, people who are deaf or hard of hearing use this device. This device consists of external and internal portions that sit behind an individual's ear and a second portion that is surgically placed under the skin. Cochlear implants give individuals the ability to distinguish sounds which those who can hear perfectly can benefit from. Interest in electrical methods that stimulate hearing arose at the end of the 18th century. Alessandro Volta discovered the electrolytic cell. An electrolytic cell is a cell that works on a chemical system by driving an electrical current through the system. Volta was the first to stimulate the auditory system by connecting a beater of thirty or forty pairs to two metal rods that were inserted into his ears. After the circuits were completed, Volta received the feeling of “une reousse dans la tate”. The translation of that phrase means “a boom in the head.” Several other scientists began experimenting with creating their own hearing systems. In 1971, William House and Jack Urban worked together to perfect the cochlear implants we know today. These two researchers have developed new devices that would be implanted behind the ear to give them the ability to distinguish sounds. In 1972, a speech processor was developed to work with the House 3M, a single electrode implant, which was the first to be commercially marketed. During the 1990s, many scientific studies led to the success of implant technology dealing with cochlear implants. Electrode and... half the paper... in the very world they live in. Although these devices can be expensive and require intense training, the outcome is great for those who use them. Individuals who use these cochlear implants are able to function just as well as those who do not have them. Several patients and families have shared their stories of how these implants have positively affected their lives. With these implants the overall well-being and quality of life of individuals and anyone they interact with improves. The invention of cochlear implants was brilliant and life-changing! It's truly amazing what this device gives people the opportunity to do. With more changes being made every day to ensure these devices work efficiently and bring happiness to all users and those who encounter them, there's no telling when the greatness of cochlear implants will stop.!