Forty years ago, it was first demonstrated that direct electrical stimulation of the cochlea could restore auditory sensations in people with profound sensorineural hearing loss. ... Cochlear implants (CIs) are prescribed only for people with severe to profound hearing impairments who cannot benefit at all from conventional hearing aids. ... Following implantation, successful CI users experience a change from total deafness to a level of restored hearing that allows them to talk on the telephone, attend movies and music concerts, and participate in community meetings and social gatherings. ...

• Word Count: 261
• Approx Pages: 1
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Later that week, I went to a speech and hearing center and found out that my hearing was getting to the point where I could become legally deaf. ... Personally, I thought they were cool until the hearing aid started to whistle causing people to ask me "what's that in your ear." When people questioned me about my hearing aids; I stopped wearing them. ... Finally, my senior year in high school, I was more involved with people and had to do a great deal of communication with the public. ...

• Word Count: 1647
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School