Complete Cochlear Coverage
with Deep Insertion Electrodes
What is a Complete Cochlear Coverage?
Complete cochlear coverage means that the entire length of the cochlea, from the top (apical) region all the way to the bottom (base) is stimulated by the cochlear implant electrode array. This coverage is achieved by the deep insertion of a long electrode array which results in a richer, more natural sound quality for the user. MED-EL’s cochlear implants feature the longest electrode array available, which extends 31.5 mm into the cochlea. This is only possible through MED-EL’s unique and extremely flexible electrode design. The advantage of this design is that the electrode covers all areas of the cochlea, including the deepest areas that are responsible for hearing low pitch sounds.
Like the keys of a piano, the cochlea is arranged in order of pitch (frequency). One end of the cochlea sends high-pitched information to the brain, while the other end sends low pitched information. In other words, a high-pitched sound causes the sensory cells in the bottom (base) of the cochlea to vibrate. A low-pitched sound causes the sensory cells in the uppermost part of the cochlea (apex) to vibrate. Speech, music, noise and all other sounds contain many different pitches. As a result, the stimulation of the entire cochlea, from base to apex is needed to provide the rich sound experience that characterizes normal hearing.
Speech Processors 
