What is the function of a cochlear implant?

A cochlear implant serves a specific purpose in assisting individuals with significant hearing loss, particularly those who receive little to no benefit from traditional hearing aids. The function of a cochlear implant is to bypass damaged hair cells in the cochlea and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. This electrical stimulation allows for sound signals to be sent to the brain, which can then process these signals as sound.

By delivering this direct stimulation, cochlear implants can effectively enhance one's ability to perceive sound, allowing for improved communication and overall auditory experiences. This is different from amplifying sound as a hearing aid does, as a cochlear implant enables individuals to perceive sound in cases where hearing aids may not be effective due to the degree of hearing loss experienced.

The other options do not accurately describe the function of a cochlear implant. It does not provide complete hearing restoration, nor is it simply a type of hearing aid or limited to aiding in speechreading. Instead, it fundamentally changes how sound is received and processed, offering a unique solution for those with certain types of hearing impairments.