The signs or symptoms that indicate the requirement of a cochlear implant are- 

• Pain in one or both ears
• Vertigo and Dizziness
• Ringing in the ears
• Pressure felt in the ears

Physical examination of the ear can help diagnose ear infections and possible reasons for hearing loss. A tuning fork test may also be conducted in order to determine the part of the ear that is damaged or affected. Audiology exams are also conducted to assess the loss in hearing. Several imaging tests such as MRI scan and CT scan can also help view the internal parts of the ear.

A cochlear implant is an effective treatment for severe hearing loss. The external part of the cochlear implant consists of a microphone, a speech processor and a transmitter. The transmitter is linked to the internal part of the implant. The sounds are received by the microphone and are passed onto the processor. The processor analyzes and converts the signal and then transfers it to the transmitter. The transmitter codes the signals and sends it to the receiver through the magnetic coupling.

The internal part of the implant contains the receiver which is implanted under the temporal bone. The receiver converts the sound to electrical signals which get transferred to the electrodes that are inserted in the ear. These electrodes then stimulate the auditory nerve. Therefore, hearing is facilitated by the help of the cochlear implant.

There are several risks involved in a cochlear implant:

• Bleeding 
• Infection
• Device malfunction
• Weakness in the facial nerve
• Ringing in the ear 
• Dizziness 
• Poor hearing result
• Cerebrospinal Fluid leakage due to perforation in the internal ear
• Meningitis

• Ringing and Popping of ear
• Dizziness
• Drainage or discharge
• Dry mouth
• No sense of taste