Which component of a cochlear implant is responsible for converting sounds into a digital signal?

• A. Microphone
• B. Electrode array
• C. External sound processor
• D. Receiver

Answer: (C)

In a cochlear implant, the step that turns sound into a digital signal happens in the external sound processor. This unit contains the microphone, does the signal processing, and uses an analog-to-digital converter to digitize the incoming sound. It then encodes that digital signal into a pattern of electrical stimulation that is sent across the skin to the implanted components. The electrode array only delivers electrical pulses to the auditory nerve, while the receiver/stimulator handles receiving the encoded signal and driving the electrodes. So the external sound processor is the part responsible for converting sounds into a digital signal.