Cochlear implant Last edited and medically reviewed by Alaric Steinmetz on 04.03.2023 A cochlear implant is an electronic hearing device that performs the function of the hair cells of the inner ear, namely converting acoustic signals into electrical signals of the auditory nerve. Figure Enlarge Schematic structure of a cochlear implant. Imaging Enlarge CT scout image in a patient with an implanted cochlear implant.