Cochlear implants. X-ray of a section through the head of a 14-year-old child, showing cochlear implants to treat bilateral deafness. A cochlear implant consists of a sound processor that fits behind the ear, which passes sound signals to a transmitter (circular, upper left and right) attached to the scalp. The transmitter sends sound information to electrodes implanted in the cochlea of the inner ear. The electrical impulses from the cochlea are passed to the brain, allowing the person to hear.